Chidambaram urges insurgent groups to abjure violence

Ukhrul (Manipur), May 13 : Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram today urged insurgent outfits of northeast to abjure violence.

Talking to reporters after inaugurating a mini-secretariat here, Chidambaram called for the ultras to work with the central and state governments and find a solution.

"Today we are in talks with a large number of insurgents groups in the northeast including NSCN-IM, ULFA and NDFP. All that I ask them is one thing: abjure violence, give up violence. Once you give up violence, every issue can be brought to the table, every issue can be discussed and a solution can be found to every issue," he said.

Chidambaram also appealed to locals to support the government of India and said all rebel outfits would be dealt with dignity.

Asserting that Manipur is an integral and unalienable part of India, Chidambaram said central government would provide more funds and resources to the state.

He also said that the central government would facilitate local Autonomous District Councils (ADS) and take all possible initiatives for talks.

"What I said is what the government is doing, empowering all the ADCs and providing them funds. The UNC has raised this demand and in that we have said it must be discussed in talks with the state government, that would be facilitated by the central government," he added.