Imphal, August 11: The Centre was "open" to withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur but it had to be worked out in a manner that does not demolarise the forces, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said.

"The Assam Rifles has carried out its duties properly in the State.

But if the people of Manipur have a problem with the force, we can move the troops from there.

However, it is not something which can be done today or tomorrow," he told reporters after inaugurating a National Institute of Disaster Management building here.

On when the forces will be removed from the State, he said "how and when, will be worked out in such a way that it does not demoralise the forces." The Home Minister ruled out any differences with Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on the issue, saying he was confident that the latter never said that Assam Rifles cannot be moved out of Manipur.

Patil�s statement comes a day after Mukherjee said "no it is not correct to say that there is any move to withdraw the Assam Rifles.

My colleague Patil has been misunderstood on this subject.

It is not possible to remove this force".

The State has been on the boil for last one month after the custodial death of a woman.

The structural command of Assam Rifles lies with the Union Home Ministry but its operational command lies with the Defence Ministry.

However, Patil refused to confirm the reports of deployment of BSF Battalions in Manipur.

"I do not want to go into details of these reports.

Rest assured, whatever help is required, whatever forces are required, will be provided," he said when asked whether the 17 battalion of BSF has been moved to Manipur.

Patil also downplayed the August 15 deadline given by protestors for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and said people of Manipur were "wise and peace-loving" and there was a need for understanding between the Government and the people of the state.

On the withdrawal of AFSPA, Patil said "it is a legal question and I cannot comment off-hand like that." On the death of Th Manorama Devi in custody, he said necessary action has been initiated and the "guilty will not be spared." The Ministry has also directed the personnel of Assam Rifles deployed in the state to shift from the historic Kangla Fort to the cantonment area.

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