Give national identity cards to citizens:MP CM

There is a need to introduce National Identity Cards for all citizens to combat terror, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

In his speech at the conference of chief ministers on internal security, Chouhan said "there is a need to give National Identity Cards to every citizen in order to stop infiltration from neighbouring countries. It will be effective in curbing heinous crimes other than keeping a check on terrorism."

During his speech, Chouhan termed the counter terrorism mechanisms taken by the Centre as decisions taken in haste and encroachments on the state's rights.

"The anti-terror measures taken by the Union government after the Mumbai attacks were encroachment on state's right and were against the federal structure of the country," he said.

He alleged that there are many lacunae in the National Investigating Agency Act and "states could have also been involved in the decision process before enactment of the Act."

Chouhan said it might have been more useful if consultations are held with state governments before bringing in central legislations.

He also asked the Centre to consult with state governments and make necessary amendments in the NIA Act, 2008.

"I request the Central government to bring in necessary amendments in the National Investigating Agency Act, 2008 with due consultation with state governments," Chouhan said.

He said that the Centre should strengthen state's police forces in order to fight challenges to internal security.

"It is not sufficient to form anti-terrorist groups ...It is very important to strengthen the police, both quantity and quality wise," he said.

During the conference, Chouhan also spoke on the anti-terrorism measures being taken up by his government.

"There have been no terror related incidences in Madhya Pradesh. But there are many challenges in front of the state government to combat terrorism like concerns," he said.

Chouhan said that efforts were on to strengthen the intelligence gathering mechanism.

"An intelligence cadre has been formed for the state intelligence branch. At present, there are 325 personnel including inspectors working in the cadre," he said.

He said that a state situation room, to collect information related to various incidents and law and order related situations, is functional.

"It informs concerned authorities about the relevant incidents and inputs," Chouhan said.

The state government has evolved an Emergency Response Mechanism to combat any terror related incident.

"As many as 50 NSG-trained police personnel are included in the Counter Terrorist Group under the mechanism to fight terrorism. These policemen are equipped with state-of-the-art arms and ammunition. We plan to establish CTG in five big cities of the states for quicker response," Chouhan said.

The state government has already approved additional personnel for the Anti-Terrorist Squad, Chouhan added.