Open to talk with militants of North East : Rajnath Singh

 Rajnath Singh, the Minister of Defence, said on Monday that the Centre is ready to discuss the Northeastern militant groups' problems, since the government's stated goal is to end violence in the region permanently.

The Defence Minister told an election meeting in Imphal West district of Manipur that the government is always willing to hold talks with the extremist outfits to resolve the insurgency problem and stop violence in the state.

In the next 15 years, the BJP hopes to elevate Manipur's status as a high-development state. Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the face of Manipur has changed and it is changing for the better.

A new vision is emerging for the development of the Northeast. Projects relating to rail, road, and air connectivity are being implemented through a mission-like approach," said the former BJP National President.

Manipur will be able to develop tremendously through tourism, according to the Defence Minister.

 Manipur's development is at par with other parts of the country now, he said, after decades of neglect by the Congress.

 He predicted a clear majority for the BJP in the upcoming elections in his maiden election campaign in poll-bound state.

As Singh highlighted a variety of welfare schemes of the federal government, he noted that previously, only a minimal portion of the central funds reached the people, but now all central funds are distributed directly to them.

On February 28 and March 5, two waves of voting will be held to elect the 60-member Manipur Assembly. The results will be tallied on March 10.

The defence minister later visited the home of Yumnam Kalleshor Kom, who was killed during the Kargil War.

His tweet said, "I met with his family and asked how they were doing. I salute YK Kom's courage and supreme sacrifice.". maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process.