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‘‘There has to be a conducive atmosphere for us to tackle the problem of insurgency which has been existing in the state for years. And this problem is accentuated by the narco-terrorism and gun-running which many of the insurgent groups indulge in,’’ the minister said. ‘‘Besides, there are other complications like many people there being found to be HIV positive,’’ he added.

Mukherjee alleged that presently, the Centre was also up against ‘‘systematic disinformation’’ about the ground situation in Manipur. ‘‘The Government has said it wants a judicial inquiry into the incident of the alleged rape and that a DNA test should be done to confirm the facts. We have also said we want to go into the whole gamut of the issue of the misuse of the AFSP Act but can only do so when the insurgents let up their agitation.’’

The defence minister also raised the issue of political instability, saying politicians in Manipur had defected from the BJP to the Congress and vice versa. ‘‘Besides the socio-economic instability, there is a lot of political instability too in the state. In such a situation, the insurgents have usurped powers in different ways in the multi-ethnic state. A lot of extortion and usurpation of powers is taking place.’’

Mukherjee said the Government was also looking into the continuing violence in Kashmir and the shifting of training camps of militant outfits to the Bangladesh border. ‘‘We have from time to time being informing the Bangladeshi Government about camps of the ULFA and KLO shifting to their side. A lot of information has been given to them but there has been no significant response,’’ Mukherjee said.

On the re-emergence of separatist leader Syeed Ali Shah Geelani in Kashmir, the minister said: ‘‘The Geelani factor is very much there. It is a reality which we have to face.’’