New Delhi, August 19: Describing the situation in trouble-torn Manipur as "difficult", Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today remained non-committal on imposition of President's rule in the State saying "appropriate action" would be taken by the Centre, if and when need be.

"Not really.

There are many other options ...

the Constitution provides several options.

Some different approach can be adopted", he told a press conference without elaborating the options.

He was asked whether the Centre was contemplating imposition of President's Rule in Manipur.

"We do not take any decisions in anger.

We will assess the situation properly.

President's Rule can either be imposed or not imposed.

I would not like to clarify on this," he said.

Renewing Government's appeal to hold talks with "anybody willing to talk to us", he said "there are some people in Manipur who think discussions can be started ...

we are helping them, facilitating them to bring about a situation when dialogue can be started".

Among these "senior people" were former Chief Ministers and some other political leaders, Patil said, adding that all major political parties have been consulted on the matter and excepting some minor differences, "there appears to be unanimity".

He said the situation in Manipur was "not very comfortable.

Disturbances are continuing.

After the incident (alleged rape and murder of Manorama Devi by Assam Rifles personnel) the situation has become more complicated".

On withdrawal of Assam Rifles from Imphal, he said "whatever is necessary will be done and all concerned will be taken into confidence".

Asked whether Manipur Chief Minister Ibobi Singh had taken the decision to partially withdraw Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Imphal against the Centre's recommendations, Patil replied in the affirmative saying "we are watching what the elected Government is doing.

Though his approach is different from that of the Centre, but he is in the field.

We will assess the situation properly".

To a question whether Assam Rifles personnel were refusing to appear before the judicial enquiry set up by the Government to probe into the alleged rape and murder of Manorama Devi, the Home Minister said "I have an information that they are willing to appear before the enquiry Commission if the proceedings are held in-camera".

Asked whether Government would contemplate a move to withdraw the Armed Forces Act if its partial removal bore fruit, Patil said "we will wait and see how it helps�.

The Home Minister said that there were safeguards in the Act itself which were being strictly adhered to.

He even made it clear that though the situation in the State was "difficult", the Centre was committed to sort out these difficulties.

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