Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday highlighted the abduction of two Italians by Maoists in Odisha, while pressing on the need to set up the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
Replying to the debate on Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, PM Singh said, “What happened in Odisha... the abduction of Italians by Maoists... shows that our nation’s security can be in danger if we are not alert”. Reading out an identical statement made in Lok Sabha yesterday, the PM said terrorism and left-wing Naxalism would unite nation in tackling these menaces.
The setting up of NCTC is an important step in that direction, he added.
On concerns expressed by various CMs, the PM said “adequate and full consultations will take place before next step is taken to operationalise the NCTC”.
Nothing will be done that will in any way infringe upon the rights of states, Singh assured. On the Sri Lankan war crimes’ issue, the PM reiterated that India was “inclined to vote in favour” of the US initiated resolution at the UN Human Rights Council.
“India has emphasised to the Sri Lankan government for a genuine process of reconciliation,” he stated.