IMPHAL, Dec 14 � Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today appealed to the insurgent groups in North-east to give up violence and come forward for talks. He also appealed the student community to become �peace makers� to bring peace and reconciliation in the next decade in the region.
Chidambaram who was here on a two-day visit to the trouble-torn State, in an interaction with college students at GP Women�s College here soon after his arrival from Guwahati said, the insurgent leaders in the North-east except some in Assam and Manipur were �enthusiastic� to hold talks.
He also made it clear that there is no question of redrawing Manipur�s boundary. The State�s territorial boundary has become a sensitive issue after the Centre tried to extend the ceasefire agreement with NSCN-IM �without territorial limits� in 2001.
Responding to a question on frequent incidents of rape of North-eastern girls in Delhi, he stated that it is not specific to girls of the region but common to all adding his Ministry is taking up necessary steps to stop such unwanted incidents in the national capital in future.
Reacting to frequent economic blockade on the National Highways in the State, he said the Centre will not allow any form of bandh or blockade on the highways. Upgradation work of the NH 53 are on to enable better inflow of supplies, the visiting Union Minister said.
Later in the evening the Home Minister also discussed the law-and-order situation of the State with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and senior civil and security officials.
The Home Minister will be visiting the recently inaugurated Khuga multi purpose project at Khuga and a militants� designated camp at Teikot, near Singhat both in Churachandpur district prior to his departure on Wednesday.
Meanwhile security measures were tightened here in view of Chidambaram�s visit since Monday. Heavy police and central-para military personnel were deployed at places where Chidambaram would visit.
