Manipur govt demands more central forces from Chidambaram

The Manipur government has demanded more central forces from Union home minister P Chidambaram to strengthen law and order, which has suffered due to activities of over 25 active militant groups in the state.

During a high-level meeting last night, Chidamabaram and chief minister O Ibobi Singh also discussed protection of national highways, frequently blocked by hill-based militant outfits or organisations on one pretext or the order, official sources said.

They discussed steps to prevent strikes and felt that there should more central forces along the two national highways -- Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 39) and Imphal-Silchar (NH 53), but it was not known what decision was taken, the sources said.

The frequent attacks of private residences and extortion demands by militants also came up during the meeting, which was also attended by Chief Secretary D S Punia, DGP Y Joykumar and representatives from Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF and other central forces.

Officials said Chidambaram gave assurance that every possible measure would be taken to overcome the existing problems related to law and order.

The minister also met Governor Gurbachan Jagat and discussed the problems faced by the state, the sources said.

After his arrival here yesterday, Chidambaram appealed to militant outfits to come to the negotiating table for establishing peace in the region.

He had said during a meeting with students yesterday that there was no question of redrawing the map of Manipur.