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NCTC upsets country's federal structure: Mamata

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Opposing the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the proposed anti-terror hub is not in sync with the federal structure of the country.

"Like many other states, West Bengal too is of the opinion that the proposed version of NCTC upsets the federal structure of the country," Banerjee, who did not attend the Chief Minister's conference on internal security, said in her statement read out by Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra.

She claimed that law-and-order situation is under control in Bengal.

"I am very happy to say that the law-and-order situation as well as instances of major crime in West Bengal have been under control," she said.
 

She also suggested sealing of West Bengal's border to restrict movement of extremists from neighbouring Naxal- infested states.

"Our state shares borders with four states of the country, namely Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar and Assam, all of which have serious security issues. Left wing extremism is a major problem in the first three states and Assam too is being drawn into this serious problem.

"In view of this, I suggest that the borders between the LWE-affected states and West Bengal be sealed so that the extremists do not get entry through these states and create troubles for Bengal," she said.

Banerjee also pointed out that some ISI-backed fundamentalists based in Nepal and Bangladesh are posing threat to the security of the state.

She said a few militant groups of West Bengal are again trying to forge some sort of an alliance with some insurgent groups active in the northeastern states.

"There is need for a better coordination with the adjoining states to check the movement of these elements into West Bengal and use of our area for shelter before carrying out nefarious activities to disturb peace and tranquillity in our state," she said.

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First Published: Jun 05 2013 | 6:55 PM IST

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