Govt ready to meet agitators in Manipur: Patil

Govt is willing to meet the agitating organisations of Manipur, Shivraj Patil said after a meeting with state CM Ibobi Singh.

Government is willing to meet the agitating organisations of Manipur, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on Thursday after a meeting with state Chief Minister Ibobi Singh, who ruled out complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

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Patil told reporters after the meeting that Apunba Lup, an amalgam of 32 agitating organisations in the state had expressed their desire to hold discussions with the Centre.

Singh had earlier met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Minister for North East PR Kyndiah.

"We are willing to meet them, but the proper thing will be that they should meet the state Government representatives ideally first," Patil said.

Asked about the withdrawal of the controversial AFSPA, Patil said that people in Manipur had spoken in favour and against the act.

"There were some who spoke about reviewing the act and make it less stringent.