In a significant move ahead of next week's talks, the Centre has expressed its willingness to accept the demand of a Manipuri group to lift the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act if all sections of the society agree to it.

A delegation of Apunba Lup, an amalgam of 32 social organisations in the state, will reach New Delhi on Monday to hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, sources said.

"The government will convey to them that it does not have a problem in accepting their demand for lifting of AFSPA. We are willing to do it if it is agreeable to all sections of the society," a source said.

The group has already held talks with Manipur Governor S S Sindhu and other senior government officials.