Imphal:
Prime Minister Manmohon Singh today said that there were no winners in the crippling economic blockades that Manipur had faced, while stating there was no plan for a 'supra state' for Nagas in the Northeast.
"There were no winners. The only the losers were the common people," Dr Singh said referring to the economic blockades on two national highways at a public meeting in Imphal on a day's visit to Manipur along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and central ministers.
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."
On recent media reports that the Centre was planning a 'supra state' for Nagas in the Northeast, he said "there is no such proposal. Integrity of Manipur will be protected and the state is an important part of the union."
The public applauded the Prime Minister when he said that the protection of the territorial issue in Manipur was a very 'sensitive one'.
Stating that Manipur needed peace and tranquility for all round development, Dr Singh said "Different communities have been living here for centuries and there should not be any misunderstanding among them."
The UPA chairperson said the people had suffered during the recent economic blockades and wanted all youths to work for normalcy in the state.
Stating that the central government was working closely with the people of Manipur, Mrs Gandhi said "New Delhi may be far away from Imphal, but UPA government under Prime Minister Singh is sensitive."
She said all aspirations could be accommodated through dialogue.
The Prime Minister 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 UPA government at the Centre wanted Manipur's rapid development for which it was closely working with the state government, Dr Singh said.
He also said he was happy that projects in Manipur were being implemented properly.
He expressed happiness at 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 they had excelled in many fields.
Mrs Gandhi thanked the state government for bringing some militant organisations, including Kuki militants to the negotiating table and said all problems could be solved through dialogue.
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh sought more central help which the central leaders assured.
Earlier, 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.