Emphasising its willingness to open negotiations with states opposing the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Central government on Wednesday appealed to the parties to stop “politicising” the issue and sought their cooperation.
Speaking to reporters here, Congress spokesperson Abhis-hek Manu Singhvi said, “All parties who speak up for national interest and for strong anti-terrorism efforts must support this measure (NCTC).”
“Any further consultation is always open. I don’t think the Centre has suggested that it is not open to consultation,” he remarked, adding, “Let us not try to throw the baby out with the bath water. Let us not try to politicise or obstruct or dilute or degrade it.”
Describing NCTC as “recommendations made only to unify, consolidate and centralise the fight against terrorism”, Mr Singhvi, who initially hesitated to comment on “any matter sub judice and pending PIL”, justified it later by saying, “No new law was being made.”
Asked about the Centre coming under attack for trying to clip the wings of the Election Commission, Mr Singhvi sarcastically said, “It is utmost comic.”