Imphal, July 13: The director-general of military intelligence, Lt Gen. D.S. Bartwal, today reviewed the prevailing situation in Manipur with Governor S.S. Sidhu and government officials.

The military intelligence chief landed here on a three-day tour on Wednesday. He left Imphal this afternoon.

Gen. Bartwal yesterday met the inspector-general (south), Assam Rifles, Maj. Gen. B.K. Chengappa, and GOC, 57 Mountain Division, Maj. Gen. T. S. Handa, separately. Defence spokesman Col. Rajesh Mishra said Gen. Bartwal also met chief secretary Jarnail Singh.

Gen. Bartwal’s visit came at a time when the Centre was pressing the state government to accept the suspension of hostilities pact between the army and a few militant groups of the state.

A source said the government was not only willing to accept the suspension of operations but would also like to facilitate talks between the militant groups and the Centre.

The Okram Ibobi Singh government has been refusing to honour the pact saying there were no ground rules for suspension of operations, which came into effect from August 1, 2005.

The existing agreement will expire on July 31 and is likely to be extended for another year.

The Ibobi Singh government changed its mind after the Centre agreed to frame the ground rules, set up designated camps for the militant groups and identify the agenda for peace talks.

“The Centre has agreed to frame ground rules and accept the state government’s suggestions to call a proper ceasefire which would pave the way for talks. The Centre, the state government and leaders of the outfits will jointly decide the agenda for talks,” the source said.

The Ibobi Singh government has maintained that talks should be held within the framework of the Constitution and the outcome of any negotiation should not disturb the existing boundary of Manipur.