Centre has not given up idea of setting up of NCTC, says Shinde

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Wednesday said the Central Government has not given up the idea of the setting up a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) despite opposition from some states.

Shinde, who was talking to the media here, said the government cannot force the states in a federal system, and added that NCTC is the best collective mechanism to nab criminals.

The NCTC has been opposed by several states on the ground that law and order was a state subject.

The Home Minister further said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe from Bihar Police of Bodh Gaya blasts.

Shinde said the Centre is looking into the request by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to deploy Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to protect the Mahabodhi temple complex.

Shinde, who visited Bodh Gaya today along with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, informed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has also received a similar request from Maharashtra Government for the deployment of CISF to protect Shirdi Saibaba temple.

The Nitish Kumar Government in Bihar has come under criticism following the terror strike in the Mahabodhi temple complex.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has begun probing the serial blasts, which rocked the temple town of Bodh Gaya on Sunday. Two monks were injured in the nine low intensity blasts.

Security agencies suspect that Indian Mujahideen may be behind Sunday's multiple blasts. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blasts.

The Home Ministry has directed all states to ensure foolproof security at Buddhist shrines and Tibetan settlements.