Imphal, February 12
Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said the Centre was prepared for talks with any militant group provided it abjured violence. Addressing an election meeting at the district headquarters of Churachandpur, she said innocent people were being killed in the state because of ‘some misguided’ people.

On the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, now in force in Manipur, she said it had been withdrawn from seven Assembly constituencies in the Imphal municipal area.

Ms Gandhi alleged that when the Congress-led ministry assumed charge five years ago, the state government was bankrupt with financial situation in shambles with no development activities taking place. Now, the financial health had not only improved but the government was able to implement development schemes, she said. — PTI