Magam, Feb 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday called for Centre-state consultations to put at rest any controversy over setting up of National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
“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,” Omar told reporters on sidelines of a function here, 20 km from Srinagar.
He said consultation between the Centre and the states was essential to put at rest the controversy surrounding NCTC. “I have no doubt that in the days and months ahead, the central government will call the state governments for consultation. I believe consultation is essential and during the course of that consultation we will share the thoughts of the state government with the Centre,” he said.
Chief Ministers of a dozen states have voiced their opposition to the creation of the NCTC but Omar, till now, did not speak either in favor or against it.

‘NO SMOOTH ASSEMBLY SESSION’
Omar said he did not expect the coming session of the state Assembly to be smooth as the government faced a “destructive opposition”.
“We do have, unfortunately, a fairly destructive opposition in Jammu and Kashmir. I hope we can convert what has otherwise been a destructive sort of mindset into a more constructive one,” Omar said.
He said there was “no issue” which the government was not willing to discuss.
“There is no subject that is off the table. We only hope that House is allowed to function and people’s genuine concerns are addressed in the Assembly,” he said.
Pandemonium ruled the summer session of assembly in Srinagar as issues like clemency for Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, disqualification of BJP MLAs for cross voting and death of ruling National Conference worker in police custody led to frequent adjournments.
“I have no doubt that, time to time, storm clouds will hover over the assembly,” Omar said.
The Budget session of the state assembly is scheduled to begin February 23.

‘INDIA, CHINA SHOULD RESOLVE BORDER DISPUTE’
Omar underlined the need for India and China to resolve their border dispute as local people in Ladakh region face hardships due to the disagreement.
“The local population in Ladakh, particularly areas along Line of Actual Control (LAC) which are technically disputed and under discussion, are facing difficulties on account of that status. The sooner India and China resolve this issue the better it will be for people of Ladakh,” Omar told reporters.
Asked if the state government had sent any specific communication to the Centre with regard to Ladakh ahead of talks with China, the Chief Minister said, “There is no specific communication, there is a general understanding that this dialogue will proceed and in due course, border issue between India and China will be resolved.”
The unmarked LAC between India and China has often led to tension between the two countries as Beijing claims many areas on the Indian side, including some parts in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
WITH INPUTS FROM PTI

Lastupdate on : Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST