The Hindu : National : All help to Manipur Government, Shivraj Patil assures Lok Sabha

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Friday, Aug 05, 2005

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All help to Manipur Government, Shivraj Patil assures Lok Sabha

Special Correspondent

Alternative supply routes suggested and if necessary, commodities will be airlifted

NEW DELHI: The Government on Thursday told the Lok Sabha that the Manipur administration and security forces had been asked to end the 44-old-day economic blockade imposed by the All-Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM).

Informal talks between ANSAM representatives and the State Government began on Wednesday, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said in response to a calling attention motion by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Kumar Malhotra and others on the situation arising out of the blockade, which resulted in non-availability of essential commodities including medicines.

Walkout

Mr. Malhotra led an Opposition walkout, charging the Government with running away from its responsibility.

Mr. Patil said that while the security forces were asked to see that the blockade was not allowed and law and order was maintained, care should also be taken in handling the situation as the students were "our own people''.

The Chief Minister had been asked to provide escort for vehicles carrying goods and see that through dialogue with the ANSAM the situation was made conducive to free flow of commodities. The Indian Oil Corporation and the Food Corporation of India had been asked to send maximum supplies with an assurance of full protection for their convoys.

Promising all help to the Manipur Government and to ensure there was no shortage of essential commodities, Mr. Patil said alternative supply routes were suggested and if necessary, commodities would be airlifted.

"Sensitive problem"

The Centre was in touch with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland and monitoring the position. It promised all help to transport essential commodities to Imphal and other places without obstruction.

"The problem in these States is very sensitive. To maintain law and order and peace in the area it is necessary to keep in mind the sensitivities of people belonging to different tribes,'' Mr. Patil said.

The Centre was asking the State Governments and the people to bear these aspects in mind and help one another. Urging patience, the Minister said efforts were on to address differences but it would be difficult to get immediate results.

Earlier, Mr. Malhotra suggested that the Manipur Government be dismissed and that the State be brought under Central rule.

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