Imphal, January 18: Every insurgent group of the North East should accept the offer of peace talks with the Government of India and it is futile to think of arriving at a solution to the existing problem of militancy in the region without the Government of India, Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief Minister of Manipur Rishang Keishing has stated.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the one day convention on Panchayati Raj held at the GM Hall here today.

Lok Sabha MP Mani Shankar Aiyar was the chief guest while Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was the president of the function.

A seasoned politician, Keishing said peace talks with Government of India is the only solution to resolve the problem of militancy in the North East region and asserted that taking up arms would in no way help in realising the dreams.

People should pressurize the different outfits of the State to accept peace offer and initiate negotiation on a common platform like, the way the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) are doing, Keishing added.

Speaking on the occasion, veteran the Congressman proposed introduction of local administrative bodies in the hill districts in the manner of the Zilla Parishads.

In his address, Lok Sabha MP and AICC General secretary (North East In-charge) Mani Shankar Aiyar noted that if the Panchayati Raj is properly implemented, there 'would be no dearth of fund for developmental works.

He also assured that the Centre would be pressed to extend similar facilities as given under Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat to the hills if the people of the State desire so.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, in his presidential speech, informed that his Ministry is trying its best to hold the election of the various Autonomous District Councils in the hill districts of the State very soon.

The Chief Minister also sought the support of the people for ushering in an era of peace, prosperity and development as well as for maintaining the integrity of the State.