The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today said, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC is not a State versus Centre issue.

Inaugurating a special meeting of the Chief Ministers on the NCTC at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, he said, terrorism is one of the most potent threat to internal security.

Dr. Singh said, NCTC is to coordinate counter terrorism measures throughout the country. He said, it will supplement counter-terrorism capabilities of states and not supplant them.

The Prime Minister said, it is not government's intention to infringe upon States domain. He said, for operationalisation of NCTC, it is fairly important to have broad consensus on its powers and functions.

Dr. Singh said, he believes that it is the responsibility of the Centre to give form and shape to a cohesive national approach and strategy based on information gathered globally and from all states.

He said, the States on their part should use their expertise, knowledge and machinery to secure their own territories and work in coordination with the Centre and other States.

The Prime minister said, the government remains committed to working with the State governments and providing them all possible help in combating terrorism. He said, the Centre is also open to the suggestions of the Chief Ministers and would like to benefit from their knowledge, wisdom and experience.

Speaking at the meeting, Home Minister P Chidambaram said, NCTC will be an important pillar in new security architecture. He said, terrorism is a shared responsibility between the Centre and the States.