Cong. team to study situation in N-E

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JULY 9. The Congress continued to criticise the Union Government for its ``mishandling'' of the situation in the northeast. ``This Government has no perception or idea about the northeast. This situation has been created by its inconsistent approach,'' the party spokesperson, Mr. Anand Sharma, said.

The party decided to despatch a four-member delegation, headed by the Lok Sabha MP, Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyer, to tour the area and get a first-hand view of the situation. The other members are Mr. P.R. Kyndiah, Mr. Vijoyen Handrique, Lok Sabha MP from Assam, and Mr. R.P. Rebia, Rajya Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh. As a part of its consultative process, a meeting of PCC leaders from the area has also been scheduled later in the week.

Mr. Sharma said the turmoil had started with the destabilisation of a duly-elected government in Manipur. He also called on the Centre to take steps to restore peace in the area.

BJP welcomes review

Welcoming the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee's announcement that the Government would review the ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M), the BJP appealed to the people of Manipur to maintain peace.

In a statement here, the BJP general-secretary, Mr. Sunil Shastri, said the Government's decision to agree to a review of the entire framework of the ceasefire agreement was a welcome step. ``The Centre had signed the agreement in good faith but the widespread adverse reaction in Manipur focussed on the rather misplaced perception that it could be a prelude to the reorganisation of the territorial boundaries of Manipur.''

Mr. Shastri said repeated assurances of the Government as well as the BJP that the truce would not be detrimental to the interests of Manipur should have satisfied the people. Peaceful settlement of all contentious issues was essential for the much- needed economic development of the region.

Appeal for peace

The Manipur MPs and MLAs Forum has appealed to the people to maintain calm and peace in the wake of the assurance by the Prime Minister. It said it was hopeful that the review would be conducted in due course and described the assurance as a step forward.

The Janata Dal (United) has also asked the people to remain alert and prevent violent elements from taking advantage of the situation. The JD(U) spokesman, Mr. Mohan Prakash, appealed to the State not to use force against peaceful protesters.

UNI reports from Imphal:

The All-Manipur Students Union (AMSU) also welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement. In a press release issued from Sajiwa jail, AMSU leaders expressed satisfaction with the Government's effort to review the ceasefire policy.

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