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| Monday, 22 November 2004 |
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Indian PM invites northeast rebel separatist groups for peace talks GUWAHATI, India, Sunday (AFP) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday invited rebel groups in India's northeast for talks to resolve more than five decades of insurgency, on the second day of his visit to the restive region. "I am giving an open invitation to all young men and women who have taken to arms to come for talks with us so that we can usher in peace and prosperity in the northeast," Singh told reporters in Imphal, capital of Manipur state. "Our government is willing to talk to anybody who shuns the path of violence," he said at the end of his visit to Manipur, one of the seven states that make up India's troubled northeast. Around 30 rebel outfits are operating in the region, seeking secession, greater autonomy or independence. They say New Delhi exploits the area for oil, tea and timber. The prime minister's visit, which was broadcast on regional television, was to continue later Sunday in the main city of Assam state, Guwahati. "We are very serious to work with the people of the northeast to solve their various problems like underdevelopment and unemployment, besides promoting peace and accelerating development," the premier said. Singh said his government had received "positive overtures" from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), an influential separatist group fighting for an independent homeland in Assam, neighbouring Manipur. And he said a special committee had been set up to review a controversial anti-terror law which gives sweeping powers to Indian troops fighting insurgents. Residents of Manipur have been demanding the repeal of the law, particularly since the death of a 32-year-old female activist in July, allegedly in military custody after being raped. Singh said Myanmar, which borders many of India's northeastern states, had also assured New Delhi it would crack down on separatists who have bases in its territory. "Myanmar's Prime Minister Gen. Than Shwe has assured (us of) his country's pledge not to allow his country to be used by insurgents for any attacks directed against India," Singh said referring to Shwe's visit to New Delhi last month. Singh said his visit to the region was aimed at beginning a "new process" of hope and peace, but played down expectations of massive financial packages. "I am not here to give money or announce packages but would definitely respond to demands for projects submitted to us by the state governments," Singh said. |
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