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Sunday, Oct 01, 2006
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Talks with NSCN holds key to peace in Manipur: Minister

Sushanta Talukdar

Imphal: Union Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh on Saturday said that negotiations with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) holds the key to peace in Manipur.

Addressing a press meet here, Mr Ramesh said the time was not for redrawing geographical boundaries but to create new economies. He said the Constitution of India and the country's territorial integrity are "sacrosanct and non-negotiable."

"Only territorial autonomy can be negotiable," he added. Asked if the Centre has taken steps for bringing insurgent outfits of Manipur to the negotiation table, the Minister said that the Government of India was ready to talk to anyone who gave up arms.

He said that people's support was the key to winning the war against the underground elements in Manipur. The people's support could be ensured only by taking more and more development work, he said.

"When people decide enough is enough and realise that underground elements are the enemies of peace and development then they would extend their support in the war against the underground," said the Union Minister.

Development works

Mr Ramesh said that "far too much corruption and far too much extortion" have been hindering development in Manipur and other States of northeast. He expressed hope that development work initiated by the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Government in Manipur with the support of the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre would help win people's support in the war against the underground.

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