Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked states to focus on intelligence sharing which will help the country stay "alert" and "updated" in countering internal security challenges. Addressing the Inter-State Council meeting, convened after a gap of 10 years, the Prime Minister told the Chief Ministers that "we should focus on how we can prepare our country  to counter challenges to internal security". Chief Ministers of all states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories and 17 Union Ministers are members of the Inter-State Council. It was for the first time that Modi interacted with all Chief Ministers on a single platform ever since he assumed the charge two years ago. "With close cooperation, we will not only strengthen the Centre-State relations but make a better future for the citizens," he said. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Congress did not participate in the meeting. Nor did Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, which is witnessing turmoil following violent protests after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani.