New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday categorically stated that the Congress would not allow any changes in Manipur's territorial integrity.
Addressing an election rally at Thoubal constituency, she also said that the government was 'seriously and genuinely' considering the recommendations of the Jeevan Reddy Committee on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958.
The AFSPA gives special powers to the security forces.
The UPA chairperson's assurance on the territorial integrity of Manipur comes in the backdrop of the demand by the NSCN (IM) outfit for the integration of all the Naga-dominated areas in the region into a greater Nagalim.
The Centre has been engaged in a long-drawn process of negotiation with the Naga militant outfit for more than a decade now ever since the government signed a ceasefire pact with the outfit.
On the controversial issue of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958, now in force in the state, she said the Act had already been withdrawn from seven Assembly constituencies in Imphal municipal area.
Gandhi said normal life in the state is affected because of activities of underground militants, and added that she was aware that people are against this.
Appealing to the people to join hands with the government to fight insurgency, she said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also repeatedly said that the insurgency problem can be solved only through dialogue and not through weapons.
On the protection of Manipur's territorial integrity, she said right from the time of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, it has been the policy of the Congress to safeguard it.
Seeking vote for Congress candidates in the Assembly elections, Gandhi said for the first time in the political history of Manipur, the Congress-led ministry has completed its full five-year term.
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