IMPHAL, Nov 21 ? Winding up his visit to the trouble-torn Manipur, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today extended an open invitation to all groups including the ULFA, who abjure violence, for talks to resolve all outstanding issues in the North East and expressed hope that a ?humane? law would replace the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, reports PTI.
?Our government is willing to talk to any group which shuns the path of violence and seeks peaceful resolution of all outstanding problems ... This is an open invitation to all those young men and women who have taken to arms to give up this path and work with us to bring about peace and prosperity in all north eastern States?, he told a press conference here.
Singh said there have been some ?overtures? from ULFA and added that Myanmar, from where some insurgents had been operating, has assured that its soil will not be allowed to be used for any insurgency activity against India.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that a ?humane? law that protects national security and human rights of the people of Manipur would be in place after the review of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act against which widespread violent portests were held following the alleged rape and killing of Manorama Devi by Assam Rifles personnel.
Singh said he had recognised the depth of feelings the people have about the Act and it was his ?sincere desire to find credible ways and means of ensuring that while we protect the interests of national security, we also safeguard the fundamental human rights of our citizens?.
A high-powered committee headed by a former Supreme Court Judge Jeevan Reddy has been set up to review AFSPA, to see its weaknesses and if necessary replace it with a ?humane? Act, he said.
The Prime Minister said he had come to Manipur to know the problems faced by the people, promote the cause of peace and accelerate development activities.
He said his visit was aimed at conveying to the people that the Centre was serious in doing all that it could to restore peace and normalcy and set in motion the process of social and economic development.
Seeking cooperation of the people, the Prime Minister asked them to work together to usher in peace and prosperity. ?Let us create a climate where I think it will not be necessary to take recourse to such Act (AFSPA).?