As the question of the Centre’s having evaded discussion with various state governments on setting up of National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is snowballing into a major controversy with over a dozen states publicly showing their resentment, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday joined the chorus saying consultation was essential to put it at rest.
He, however, did not speak in favour or against the NCTC and, in fact, restrained himself by using soft words to differ with the Centre’s stance.
“There has been no discussion between state government and the Central government on the issue of NCTC. I do not think it would be appropriate as chief minister for me to publicly comment about it, before I privately share the feelings of the state government with the Union government on this crucial issue,” he told reporters.
Mr Abdullah, however, hastened to add, “I’ve no doubt that in the days and months ahead, the Central government will call the state governments for consultation.”