Imphal: Congress President Sonia Gandhi yesterday (Feb 12, 2007)said the Centre was prepared for talks with any militant group provided itabjured violence.

"Addressing an election meeting at the district headquarters ofChurachandpur," she said innocent people were being killed in the statebecause 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On the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act, now in force in Manipur,she said it had been withdrawn from seven assembly constituencies in Imphalmunicipal area.

Gandhi alleged that when the Congress-led ministry assumed charge five yearsago, the state government was bankrupt with financial situtation in shambleswith no development activities taking place.

"Now, the financial health had not only improved but the government wasable to implement development schemes," she said.