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NE ultra groups engaging youth

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Oct 7 � Almost all insurgent groups in North East are engaging people who are economically deprived and many of which actually qualify as young combatants. If and when some of the groups show their willingness to negotiate and embrace peace, the rehabilitation of these young people would require a great deal of sensitivity.

In States such as Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, young combatants form the backbone of insurgent groups. Underage men as well as women have been trained in close combat and weapons, changing their psychology and behavior to a great extent.

Intelligence sources told this correspondent that the number of young combatants in the North East is very high, and their backgrounds reveal two common traits: economic hardship and lack of education.

�Many of them come from families which face a great deal of hardship, and most lack education beyond high school�these actually make them vulnerable to recruiters from insurgent groups,� a well-placed Intelligence operative revealed.

The insurgent groups are on the lookout for young combatants because it is easier to mould their mindset to a set of beliefs, and also because their material demands are less compared to older combatants.

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