Source: The Sangai Express
Shillong, September 04:
Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said the Centre wanted to deal with the current stir in Manipur demanding withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 'sympathetically', while defending himself for not visiting the trouble-torn State earlier.
"We are going there to create sympathy and understanding.
We have to deal with the situation in a sympathetic manner," Shivraj Patil told a press conference here after wrapping up the North Eastern Chief Ministers' conference on internal security and development.
Patil said the Centre was in touch with Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and others and discussing the happenings and what had gone 'wrong' for such widespread resentment over the issue of withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State.
The Government would take a proper decision after considering all factors, he said.
"Understanding," was Patil's reply when a questioner asked him what the immediate solution could be.
Asked why he had not visited Manipur before, the Home Minister replied, "You should realize that the Centre does not want to interfere in all situations, there is an elected Government in place to discharge constitutional duties.
Had we gone there earlier, you would ask us why do you not believe that the State Government can deal with the situation".
Evading a direct reply on whether the Centre would decide on withdrawing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur, Patil said in a democracy where there were 'two opinions' and it was difficult to say 'yes or no'.
"We cannot say that we are not going to take into account their version ...
A proper decision will be taken," he said on persistent queries.
The Home Minister clarified that the Chief Ministers� conference did not discuss the Act's withdrawal.
"We discussed common issues relating to all States in the area pertinent to development, peace and security.
We did not discuss any individual issue," he said.