No plans for 'supra state' for Nagas in NE, says PM

Prime Minister Manmohon Singh on Saturday said that there were no plans for a 'supra state' for Nagas in the northeast and appealed to militants to ensure peace in Manipur for speeding up development work there.

"Manipur needs peace and tranquility for all-round development. Different communities have been living here for centuries and there should not be any misunderstanding among them," Dr Singh told a public meeting.

On recent media reports that the Centre was planning a 'supra state' for Nagas in the northeast, he said, "There is no such proposal. The integrity of Manipur will be protected and the state is an important part of the union."

There was applause from the crowd when he said that the protection of the territorial issue in Manipur was a very 'sensitive one'.

Dr Singh said, "There is no issue which cannot be solved in a democratic set-up like in our country."

Referring to the crippling economic blockades on two national highways the state had faced, the prime minister said, "There were no winners. The only the losers were the common people."

Pointing out that the economic blockades had severely affected the economy of the state, he questioned whether it brought any benefit. "No such thing has happened," he said.

He urged the people to live in peace and harmony as the Centre was prepared to do anything for the all-round development of the state.

The United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre wanted Manipur's rapid development for which it was closely working with the state government, Dr Singh said.

Dr Singh also said he was happy that projects in Manipur were being implemented properly and mentioned the names of the newly-constructed buildings which he and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated during the day.

He also expressed happiness over the conduct of elections to the autonomous district councils in the hill districts after a gap of about 20 years, saying it would give power to local bodies.

Congratulating the sportpersons of Manipur, Dr Singh said they had excelled in many fields.

Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh sought more central help from the leaders.

Earlier, Dr Singh and Gandhi inaugurated the new assembly complex and City Convention Centre, besides the Manipur Film Development Corporation complex and the Inter State Bus Terminus.

Union Law minister Salman Khurshid and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Naryanswamy accompanied them.