The Hindu : National : Sidhu new Manipur Governor

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 04, 2004

National

National

Sidhu new Manipur Governor

By Vinay Kumar

NEW DELHI, AUG. 3. The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, today discussed the situation in trouble-torn Manipur with the leaders of all major political parties. The Government later announced the appointment of a new Governor replacing Arvind Dave who has already completed his five-year-term.

The new incumbent will be Shivinder Singh Sidhu, Former Secretary in the Civil Aviation Ministry. Dr. Sidhu's appointment as Governor will take effect from the date he assumes charge, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communiqué said here. Dr. Sidhu will replace Mr. Dave, a former chief of Research and Analysis Wing who was shifted by the previous NDA regime from Arunachal Pradesh to Manipur. Mr. Dave met the Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, this evening and gave his assessment of the situation.

Manmohan meets leaders

Dr. Singh met leaders of the ruling United Progressive Alliance as well as those from the National Democratic Alliance. As part of the consultation process, he also had a meeting with the Manipur Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, was also present.

Dr. Singh had an hour-long meeting with the Left leaders, Harkishan Singh Surjeet and A.B. Bardhan, and another with the Samajwadi Party leaders, Amar Singh and Ram Gopal Yadav. Refusing to divulge any details, Mr. Bardhan said they discussed "how to deal with the situation" in the State which was "very sensitive."

Asked about the demand for withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Manipur, he said it was the people's demand "but there are complications which also have to be understood."

`Probe killing'

Responding to a query on instances of excesses allegedly committed by the security forces, Mr. Bardhan said it could not be said that such cases were not taking place. The CPI was of the view that the Government should take a serious look at the demand for withdrawal of AFSPA.

At the meeting with the Prime Minister, the CPI(M) reiterated the decision taken by its central committee on Sunday, urging the Government to review the jurisdiction of AFSPA, take steps to shift the Assam Rifles headquarters from Kangla Fort and create conditions for talks with the rebel groups.

Editorial on Page 10

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