New Delhi, August 07: The Centre today said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) whose withdrawal has been sought by political parties and social organizations, was "required" in Manipur "till normalcy returns" to the State.

"Of course, the law is not applicable in all the States in the country.

It is applicable to States where militancy has existed.

Let normalcy return to this beautiful State of ours....

this (the act) may not be there," Home Minister Shivraj Patil said in reply to a question that whether the Centre felt that Manipur required such a law.

He was speaking to PTI journalists during an interaction when he was asked about the demand by protestors in Manipur for withdrawal of the AFSPA in the wake of rape and killing of 30-year-old woman allegedly by the personnel of Assam Rifles in the State.

"When the situation is not helpful, I think withdrawing it (the Act) will create more difficulties," he said adding that "we have made it very clear that where it is not required, it will not be there".

"This time we are facing some difficulties there (Manipur) and I am sure that people of Manipur are wise and cooperative enough to understand the situation and they themselves will help in seeing that the situation improves.

The State Government and the Centre will do their duty and whatever is necessary will be done," Patil said.

Asked why the State was "on the boil", the Home Minister said while North-Eastern States were very rich in natural resources, modern technology was yet to reach them.

"Sometimes they feel they have a different kind of culture which is there and which is not available in other parts of the country.

Tribal system is also there.

So all these things have contributed to the psychology which is little more divisive than united," he said.

Observing that the Centre has helped in solving problems in other North-Eastern States in the past, Patil said he was confident that those confronting Manipur would also be resolved.

Our Staff Reporter adds: Even though Central Government leaders have indicated that Armed forces Special Powers Act would not be withdrawn from Manipur pressure continues to mount upon the SPF Government with the public agitating relentlessly.

Despite publication of news report at New Delhi quoting the Home Minister Shivraj Patil�s staunch stance against repealing the Act, fissures among the rank and file of the SPF Government creates an uneasy situation for the Chief Minister whose frequent visit and consultation with Central leaders failed to evoke positive response in consonance with the State people�s demands.

Mention may be made that even as two SPF Ministers and six Congress legislators had declared to tender resignation if AFSPA is not removed within August 15, members present at the SPF Steering Committee yesterday had handed responsibility to Okram Ibobi Singh to act in accordance with the sentiment and aspiration of the general public.

The people�s sentiment pertains to demand for removal of Disturbed Area status to pave way for withdrawal of AFSPA but uncertain still prevails what measures the Chief Minister will take to address the situation.

The national papers (Indian Express, Hindustan Times etc) published at the national capital today mentions that during his visit to New Delhi Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was advised by concerned Central Ministers to neutralize proposals of the Opposition political parties to convene a House session to discuss on the prevailing situation and set into motion process for removal of the Act.

Informed sources asserted that following the Central leaders� suggestion and with consent of the Chief Minister, former Governor Arvind Dave had prorogued the Assembly session yesterday thereby technically sealing any chances of convening the House session in the near future.

In case the former Governor�s last move before bidding adieu to Manipur had not been affected, the State Assembly Speaker had within his purview the sanction to convene assembly at any given moment, contended the source.

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