DIdi to skip chief ministers' meet on internal security

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West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, a key ally of the UPA, will not attend Monday's chief ministers' meeting on internal security in New Delhi, but will take part in the CMs' meeting on NCTC on May 5, a highly placed source said on Sunday.

In place of the chief minister, finance minister Amit Mitra will represent the state government at the meeting, which has been convened by the Union home ministry, the source said.

No reason has been assigned for the Ms Banerjee's decision. She, however, would attend a meeting of chief ministers on NCTC in Delhi on May 5, the source said.

Conceding the demand by three chief ministers, including Ms Banerjee, the Centre has convened a stand-alone meeting on May 5 to discuss NCTC implementation, which has been held up due to stiff opposition from several states.

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram had said earlier this month that the April 16 meeting of the chief ministers would discuss various issues related to internal security, while the May 5 meeting will primarily discuss the NCTC.

Ms Banerjee, Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalitha and Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik, among others, have objected to setting up of the proposed anti-terror hub, arguing it would infringe upon the states' powers.

They demanded a separate meeting of chief ministers be convened to exclusively discuss the NCTC as the April 16 meeting, called to discuss the internal security situation, would not have enough time to deliberate on the proposed anti-terror body.