'State economy affectedby rampant extortion'

Imphal, September 24 2009: Extortion remains rampant and has affected the economic development of the North Eastern Region of the country particularly, Manipur, Nagaland and Assam, said an analysis report of the Centre on the internal security scenario of the region.

The analysis report which was tabled in the recently concluded Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal security at New Delhi further mentioned that most of the militant outfits operating in the north eastern region of the country continue to identify with their respective tribes/clan.

Inter-tribal and factional violence constitute a large portion of violence taking place in the region, the analysis report observed adding that economic development of the region has been greatly affected by the rampant extortion menace.

The main areas of concern in this region relate with Assam, Manipur and Nagaland where most of the violence in the region concentrated, it said.

In Manipur, there is an increase in number of incidents during the current year.

However, casualties of civilians and security forces have declined.

In Nagaland, there is considerable decline in number of incidents and casualties of civilians and security forces during the current year (upto June 30) as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

A decline in the overall level of violence in Assam had been observed during the last year.

However, there is an increase in number of incidents and casualties of security forces during the first half of the current year as compared to corresponding period during the last year.

The number of casualties has shown a decline, whereas the number of terrorists killed has shown an increase.

Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed law intensity violence in some pockets whereas the situation in Mizoram and Sikkim is peaceful, the analysis report said.

The overall internal security situation in the country remains largely under control.

No major terrorist incident has been reported in the hinterland during the current year, the analysis report said adding that no major communal incident has been reported in the current year.

In overall terms, the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has shown perception improvement.

The security situation in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland continues to be a matter of concern while Sikkim and Mizoram have remained peaceful.

The situation in Tripura has improved significantly over the years and barring sporadic violence in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, the situation remain peaceful.

The level of violence related to Left Wing Extremism has increase wit more focused attacks on security personnel and "economic targets".

A significant number of incidents have been reported from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal.

Mention may be made that the Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal Security held in the week of August apart from discussing on Creation of Quick Response Team (QRTs) and Special Intervention Units (SIU) at the police station level, strengthening of State Special Branches (SSBs) and creation of separate cadre foe intelligence, creation of Special Cells within CID or Economic Offences Wings for Combating FICN menace, among others.