Mizoram remains most peaceful among NE states

Aizawl, Mar 26: Mizoram has been declared as the most peaceful state in the North-East (NE) during 2006-07, while Asom and Nagaland have emerged as most violence-prone in the region.

According to Union Home Ministry's 2006-07 annual report, Mizoram has recorded only five violent incidents last year with no record of civilian deaths.

The state had received peace bonus from the Centre during the NDA regime for continuing with its commendable record.

The report has also stated that Manipur has the highest number of militant outfits in the country, declared as 'Unlawful Association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

''Overall violence level in North-East has been contained with sharp decline of civilian casualties last year, which was recorded at only 21.3 per cent. Though the level of violence in the region in 2006-07 was same as the previous year, the number of civilian losses has gone down to 309 from 393,'' the report stated.

The number of violent incidents increased to 413 from 398 in Asom and from 192 to 309 in Nagaland last year, the report stated.

However, in Manipur, incidents of violence decreased from 554 to 498 and witnessed a decline in civilian casualties with the record of 96 civilians killed last year as compared to 158 in 2005.

The report also underlined that the militant activities in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura have showed a sharp decline and the number of violent incidents has also reduced significantly.

UNI