Impal: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has said there has been a 74 percent reduction in insurgency-related violence in the North-East.

He said  60 per cent reduction in attacks on security forces and 89 per cent decrease in civilian deaths were also registered in the region.

Addressing a press conference here, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) was quoted as saying by Indian news agency PTI that about 8,000 youths, who were involved with insurgent groups, have surrendered and have joined the mainstream, welcoming a better future for themselves and their families.

“There has been a 74 per cent reduction in insurgency incidents, 60 per cent reduction in incidents of attacks on security forces and 89 per cent reduction in civilian deaths in the Northeast,” he said.

Reddy said the development of the Northeast has been made a major priority by the central government

“The Northeast was previously known for unrest, bombings, bandhs etc but in the last eight years, peace has been established under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

Meanwhile,  forty-three militants, including a woman cadre, laid down arms to Chief Minister N Biren Singh here on Saturday.

Biren Singh stated that confidence and trust building are the key recipes for a strong and united Manipur and India.

Biren Singh said the government keeps its doors wide open at all times for anyone willing to give up arms and join the mainstream.