NEW DELHI, Aug 17 ? Under pressure to act fast, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today extended an unconditional offer for talks with the agitators in Manipur, even as the threat of the Centre clamping President?s Rule in the State loomed large. The Union Government would like to give the elected Government in Manipur an opportunity, but if it fails to do its duty then the nation would do its duty, Patil said, throwing enough hints that the Centre would not hesitate to act in the larger national interest if the situation so demanded. The Union Home Minister?s offer for talks came after the Centre gave a 48-hour deadline to Chief Minister Ibobi Singh to control the deteriorating situation in the State. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs is slated in two days to review the situation afresh and decide on its next course of action. The Union Government, meanwhile, tabled a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on Manipur.
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha, wanted to know whether the Union Government was thinking about imposing President?s Rule in Manipur. ?We do not like to let him(Manipur Chief Minister) down but if he fails in his duty, we will not fail to act,? the Union Home Minister asserted, adding that although the Centre was concerned about the prevailing situation in the State, it was not afraid of it.
Explaining the Centre?s position, he said that the Union Government was walking on razor?s edge. ?We will not wait for long but we are not in a hurry either,? he said. The Minister?s response came after members after members cutting across party lines in Rajya Sabha, expressed concern that the situation in Manipur was fast slipping out of hands, underlining the need for the Centre to open channels of communication with the agitators and members of the civil society.
Patil faced some flak after he admitted that there was no change in the situation even after the Act was withdrawn from the city of Imphal. He confirmed that although the Chief Minister was advised against making such a move, he did it to restore order. ?On August 12, against the advice given by the Union Government, the State Government withdrew the Act,? he said. The former Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing, suggested that apart from inviting some of the agitators for talks, the Union Government should also call specified underground groups for dialogue. He further made a fervent plea to all political parties not to have any dealings with the insurgent groups in Manipur.
?The Government of India?s policy is clear-cut, it is willing to talk to anybody who is willing to talk to it to ensure that peace is established. It is better to talk and get the grievances addressed instead of picking up the gun and shedding blood and get nothing,? he said. For the first-time in recent days, the Union Home Minister also clarified that the Assam Rifles has taken a stand though they are not required to appear before the Inquiry Commission under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, yet they are willing provided the hearing was held in-camera. If it is not possible to hold an in-camera hearing then the Commission along with the lawyers can go to Assam Rifles and examine the personnel concerned. If this is also not acceptable then the Assam Rifles personnel are willing to give evidence on affidavit. ?It is not an illogical demand,? Patil said.