Imphal, November 06: Union Defence Minister George Fernandes arrived in the State capital from Itanagar this evening by a special Defence helicopter and met Governor Ved Marwah.

Official sources said the Defence Minister, who was visiting the State for the first time after his re-induction to the Union Ministry, landed at the Leimakhong army camp at 3.45 in the afternoon.

Fernandes discussed present situation in Manipur with top ranking army officials at Leimakhong army camp.

Later the Defence Minister called on the Governor Ved Marwah at the Raj Bhavan.

He is understood to have reviewed Manipur situation with the Governor.

The details of the discussion between the Defence Minister and the Governor are not disclosed.

Fernandes is also understood to have discussed security measures along the Indo-Myanmar border.

The DGP and a senior officer of the Assam Rifles were also present during the meeting, the source said.

Fernandes is leaving Imphal for Aizwal at 7.30 am tomorrow, the source said.

In Itanagar George Fernandes today held meetings to discuss the movement of rebel outfits in Arunachal Pradesh border and strategies to tackle militancy in the area, PTI adds quoting official sources.

He met senior army and para military officers at Joirampur in Changlang district and discussed the movement of NSCN (I-M) and NSCN (K) ultras in the districts of Changlang and Tirap, the sources said.

Factional feuds among the rebel outfits, coupled with extortion, abduction and killings in the area, which borders Nagaland and Myanmar had become a cause of concern for the authorities as well as the people, the sources said.

Fernandes held a meeting with State Governor Arvind Dave and Chief Minister Mukut Mithi at Khonsa, head quarters of Tirap district and discussed future strategy to tackle militancy in the area.

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