GUWAHATI, April 21 � Though the level of violence in the entire North East region is coming down gradually over the years, the situation in Manipur remains a cause of concern , while, inter-factional clashes between militant groups in Nagaland is also causing concern.
According to the annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), as many as 498 civilians and 79 security force personnel were killed in acts of violence by militants in the North east region in 2007, but the figure is gradually coming down and last year, 70 civilians and 32 security personnel were killed by militants. The report said that 31 persons were killed in Assam last year by militants as compared to 65 in the previous year.
The report said that talks with militant groups like both factions of the DHD and KNLF have been concluded and peace accords would be signed shortly, while, talks are also on with pro-talk faction of the ULFA, NDFB(P) are going on.
The MHA report said that Manipur continues to be affected by activities of large number of militant groups. The militant groups are divided on ethnic lines with competing demands. However, casualty of civilians and security forces has declined in the last few years.
The report further said that surrender of militants in the North East has increased in the last few years and compared to 524 in 2007, as many as 1122 militants surrendered last year.
