Centre open to Manipur truce

The Centre is willing to explore the ceasefire possibility if the insurgent groups accept Govt's invitation to talks, reports Rajnish Sharma

The Centre is willing to explore the possibility of a ceasefire in Manipur if the state's insurgent groups, particularly the leading outfits, accept the government's invitation to dialogue. In addition, the Centre is also willing to extend an enhanced "non-lapsable" economic package, in the form of development funds, if normalcy returns to the state.

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An indication to this effect is believed to have been conveyed to insurgent outfits through former state chief minister Rishan Keishing and other senior leaders. Keishing is making efforts to bring some main groups to the negotiating table.

However, the Centre is categorical that the militant organisations will first have to resort to a peaceful dialogue to help restore normalcy in the state before any possibility of a ceasefire can be looked into.

Union home minister Shivraj Patil on Thursday reiterated the Centre's commitment to talks with "anyone in Manipur", including insurgent groups. "I have already extended an invitation on the floor of the House and even the PM stated in his Independence Day speech that we are willing to talk," he said.