Centre convenes CMs meet on NCTC on May 5

Conceding the demand of three chief ministers including ally Mamata Banerjee, the Centre has convened a stand-alone meeting on May 5 to discuss National Counterterrorism Center which has been held up due to stiff opposition from several states.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday, Home Minister P Chidambaram hoped that a "very good outcome" will be achieved after the deliberations as everyone realises the fact that India is one of the most vulnerable countries from terror attacks in the world.

"Following the requests of three chief ministers, the prime minister has asked me to convey to the chief ministers that a separate meeting on NCTC can be held on May 5. I have written to all CMs and I hope that they will all confirm their participation," he said.

He said the April 16 meeting of the chief ministers will discuss issues referred on the agenda which was already circulated while the May 5 meeting will primarily discuss the NCTC.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik apart from several others have objected to setting up of the proposed anti-terror hub saying it would infringe upon the states' powers.

They had been demanding that a separate meeting of chief ministers should be convened to exclusively discuss the NCTC as the April 16 meeting called to discuss internal security situation would not have enough time to deliberate on NCTC.