Solution to Manipur crisis soon, says Patil

The central government would solve the impasse arising out of demands for repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur but the imbroglio might not be solved at one go, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said here on Monday.

"All dialogues are useful. We will solve the problem but all of it may not be solved in one go. But we can go ahead in right direction," he told a press conference wrapping up his three-day tour to Meghalaya and Manipur.

Asked if he would like to have talks again with the Anuba Lup spearheading the movement for withdrawal of the Act from Manipur, Patil answered in the affirmative.

"We have extended the invitation earlier and through you (media). Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has done it from the Red Fort. They (the social organisations) have responded to it and proper invitations can be sent to them," the minister said referring to the talks he had with the Anuba Lup at Imphal yesterday to restore peace in the state.

He refused to agree that the talks had failed to make any headway. "Progress was there in understanding each other. That is going to help both."

"The visit to Manipur was helpful, enlightening and encouraging to understand the issues," he said.

The crucial talks between Patil and the leaders of the Anuba Lup, the apex body of the 32 organisations had collapsed yesterday following divergent stands on the continuance of the legislation.

While the Anuba Lup leaders said their only demand of withdrawal of the Act had been rejected, Patil said he had heard the views on the Act and would discuss them with his Cabinet colleagues in Delhi.

He had said there were three views on the Act "" one group wanted its withdrawal, the other its continuance and the third wanted its review.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had prior to the meeting ruled out the withdrawal of the Act from the entire state saying the situation was not ripe as extortions continued and there was no normalcy.