Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, August 04:
The Government is considering setting up of a committee to review the situation in Manipur and suggest a long-term strategy to deal with the problems there.
"The Government is considering formation of a committee, comprising people well-versed with Manipur and senior officials, to examine the situation in the State and suggest long-term measures to improve the conditions there," Minister of State for Home Shriprakash Jaiswal told reporters here today.
Admitting that "things are not improving and there was a need to take steps", Jaiswal, who paid a visit to the North-Eastern States last week, said he has also submitted a report about the situation and briefed Home Minister Shivraj Patil about the developments in the State.
The Minister, however, made it clear that "no final decision has been taken on the Committee's formation as yet".
Replying to questions on the demand of the protestors in Manipur for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), he said there has been no request from the State Government in this regard.
"Though AFSPA is a Central Act, it is implemented by the State Government and we have not received any request from the State Government for its withdrawal," he said.
On the demand for shifting of Assam Rifles personnel from Kangla Fort in the State, the Minister said the para-military force would be moving out of the fort by December 31 and "already 60 per cent of the force has shifted".
Our Staff Reporter adds: Chief Minister O Ibobi who was in Delhi for the past few days, met all the Central leaders, who matter, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister and AICC president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.