Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday reviewed the situation in Manipur ahead of an economic blockade called by some Naga organisations.At a meeting here with Manipur Governor V.K. Duggal, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and senior ministry officers, Rajnath Singh appealed to "all concerned parties to help maintain a conducive atmosphere"."It is reiterated that the (central) government is committed to finding a solution to all related issues," a home ministry statement quoted Rajnath Singh as saying.The United Naga Council (UNC) Monday announced an indefinite ban on movement of all kinds of vehicles in Manipur's Naga inhabited areas from Sep 4.
The ban was announced to press the central government to make a political intervention on the prevailing situation in the Naga-dominated districts in Manipur.Stressing on a negotiated settlement of the issue, the home minister said the central government has appointed R.N. Ravi as the interlocutor with a mandate to find a negotiated solution in a time-bound manner."However, it is imperative that a conducive atmosphere exists for these talks to take place," Singh said."The (central) government calls upon all concerned to help maintain a conducive atmosphere and desist from violence. "The government expects the Naga organisations to withdraw the call for economic blockade and the ban on national projects, which will cause serious inconvenience and hardship to the common people," Singh said.