2017 – most peaceful for North East; Records 85% drop in violent activities in last 17 years

New Delhi, January 17: Good News hits North East as Northeastern states have seen an 85% drop in violent activities in the last 17 years, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Data released by MHA shows that while approximately 2,000 incidents of violence were recorded in the year 2000, the figure is only 308 in 2017. 

Apart from that, about 60% of that fall was achieved in the last five years. In 2013, 732 violent incidents were recorded.

MHA officials said that the year 2017 is one of the most peaceful the region has seen since 1997 when violence peaked.

Minister for State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, credited the drop to successful political engagement with insurgent groups as well as success achieved by security forces.

"I am very happy that a number of incidents of violence has come down drastically and peace is prevailing in most areas of North East. It's one of biggest achievement of this government. This shows PM's focused attention on the development of NE is paying dividends," Rijiju said.

Reduction in violence has meant that northeastern states are now recording lesser number of civilian casualties as well as the death of security force personnel.

Civilian casualties also dropped significantly, from 107 in 2013 to 37 in 2017. With 67% drop in kidnapping cases last year, the law and order situation has also improved in these states.

Number of Extremists killed has also come down from 138 in 2013 to 57 in 2017.

Tripura and Mizoram have proved to be the most peaceful states with no insurgency-related incident reported here. Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Mizoram also saw the least number of deaths of security force personnel.

The figures were discussed at a high level meeting called by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh which was attended by Rijiju, Home Secretary Rajiv Guaba, senior MHA officials as well as some interlocutors of militant groups.

The meeting also expressed satisfaction with the situation in Assam post the National Register of Citizens coming out.