Chidambaram visits Zomi Re-Unification Organisation camp in Manipur

Imphal, Dec 16 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram visited the designated camps of an ethnic group called Zomi Re-Unification Organisation (ZRO) here on Wednesday and said that there cannot be development without peace.

He also said that political evolution in the state would take time, but, the vision for a peaceful state was still intact.

"There can be no development, without peace and there can be no good governance. Therefore, my plea to everyone is while the political evolution will take time, there must be peace. I have made clear in my speech in Parliament and elsewhere whatever vision for Manipur is, that vision remains intact," he added.

Chidambaram also said that crime is yet to be completely stopped in the State.

"It cannot be said that extortion has stopped, it cannot be said that kidnapping is stopped, it cannot be said that non-Manipuri especially people who have come here to work are not being targeted. So, there are still problems here, these have to be addressed, they can be addressed only with the cooperation of the elected people and particularly the young people," he added.

During his two-day visit to Manipur, he took stock of the law and order situation.

Earlier, while interacting the students here, Chidambaram said: " The Union government respects the boundary of Manipur. There had been apprehension among the people in the backdrop of persisting demands by militant organisations for the division of the State.

He also addressed the issue of discrimination practised in the rest of the country against the northeastern citizens.

"Sometimes misguided people discriminate against you (students). For well-meaning people, among the educated young people, you are welcome in every part of India. And your have done extremely well, especially, in certain areas, which require a good and an out-going personality," he said.

Earlier, Chidambaram expressed satisfaction that several militant outfits of North East have entered into negotiations with government-appointed interlocutors.

Addressing the passing out parade of the North East Police Academy here, Chidambaram said: "I am happy to report that almost all groups or organizations are in talks with government-appointed interlocutors." (ANI)