The Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday discussed the situation in Manipur, where protestors are demanding the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

At the 90-minute meeting, held in South Block's 'War Room' and chaired by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, it was felt that army operations should continue in the border state in view of the recent success gained against People's Liberation Army insurgents.

The CCS emphasised that utmost importance should be given to maintaining human rights.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and top army and intelligence officers were present at the meeting.

The review comes in the wake of the PM holding a series of meetings with leaders of major political parties to evolve a consensus on how to deal with the situation without compromising on national security.

Social organisations allege that a woman, Manorama Singh, was raped and killed by men of the Assam Rifles.

The Assam Rifles has claimed that the woman was a PLA member.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been in force in the state for 27 years.

The army has launched Operation Hifazat II against PLA hideouts near the Myanmar border and has recently inducted another brigade into the state for these operations.

While the new brigade has been concentrated at Chura Chandpur area, the 44th army brigade is conducting operations in Sajik Thampak area.

A large number of PLA hideouts have been busted and a number of PLA cadre killed or captured in the operations.