Centre ready to deploy additional forces in Manipur: Rajnath Singh

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi yesterday. During the meeting, the Home Minister expressed his grave concern over the continued blockade of National Highway-2 causing severe difficulties to the people of Manipur.

An official release said, Rajnath Singh said that continued blockade is likely to adversely affect democratic process in the forthcoming elections by hampering movement of people, including election officials.The Centre has been making repeated efforts to find a way to have the highway opened. Mr Singh said, it is the Constitutional obligation of Manipur Government to maintain public order in the State including maintenance of essential supplies and conducive



atmosphere for holding elections. He called upon the Chief Minister to discharge this obligation responsibly, in the interest of people of Manipur.

He said, If more forces are required for this, that would be made available by the Centre. The Home Minister made it clear that if Government of Manipur fails in its Constitutional duties, the Centre may have to explore other measures under the provisions of Constitution to ensure that difficulties of people of Manipur are alleviated.

On request of Home Minister, the Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang also met him yesterday. Mr Singh sought his cooperation in keeping the NH-2 open between Dimapur and Mao Gate and not to allow disturbance on this vital route.