Govt softens stand on Northeast Act

In a significant move ahead of next week's talks, the Centre has expressed its willingness to accept the demand of a Manipuri group to lift the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act if all sections of the society agree to it.

A delegation of Apunba Lup, an amalgam of 32 social organisations in the state, will reach New Delhi [ Images ] on Monday to hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [ Images ] and Home Minister Shivraj Patil [ Images ], sources said.

"The government will convey to them that it does not have a problem in accepting their demand for lifting of AFSPA. We are willing to do it if it is agreeable to all sections of the society," a source said.

The group has already held talks with Manipur Governor S S Sindhu and other senior government officials.