PC hints at extending CMs' conference on NCTC

In a move to mollify West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the home ministry is considering various options to devote a “considerable amount” of time at the chief ministers’ conference on April 16 to discuss the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

In a move to mollify West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, the home ministry is considering various options to devote a “considerable amount” of time at the chief ministers’ conference on April 16 to discuss the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

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Home minister P Chidambaram on Saturday said extending the one-day conference was one of the options being explored.

“But it will depend on the convenience of the Prime Minister and chief ministers,” he said.

Chidambaram said it was “important” that all issues on the agenda were discussed.

“How we will accommodate the request of the CMs to devote a considerable amount of time on NCTC is a matter that will be resolved in the next couple of days,” he said.

Banerjee has demanded that the chief ministers’ meeting should only discuss the “sensitive” NCTC issue.

“It (NCTC) should be the only matter of discussion at the meeting so that all states can express their views properly and adequate interaction can take place. It is a sensitive issue. Other issues can be discussed subsequently,” she said in her letter to the Prime Minister.