NCTC row: DVS writes to Chidambaram

BANGALORE: Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has written to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, opposing the formation of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).In the letter, Gowda said certain provisions of the NCTC in its present form could be misused to create trouble for political opponents.“For instance, the powers to search, seize and arrest and seek information from any agency can be misused for purposes other than terrorism. This amounts to basic violation of the state’s rights,” said the CM’s letter, sent on Tuesday. Copies of the letter were released to the media here on Wednesday. The CM averred that though the proposed move was envisaged on the lines of the US counter-terrorism agency, it could not be identical due to the difference in the federal set-ups of the two countries.“This move is unacceptable. I suggest that the proposed launch of the NCTC on March 1 be postponed; also, a meeting of the National Security Council must be convened to discuss the issue threadbare,” he stated.