Manmohan offers peace to northeast rebel groups

"I am giving an open invitation to all young men and women who have taken to arms to come for talks with us so that we can usher in peace and prosperity in the northeast," Singh told reporters in Imphal, capital of Manipur state.

"Our government is willing to talk to anybody who shuns the path of violence," he said at the end of his visit to Manipur, one of the seven states that make up India's troubled northeast.

Around 30 rebel outfits are operating in the region, seeking secession, greater autonomy or independence. They say New Delhi exploits the area for oil, tea and timber.

Violence in the region has claimed some 50,000 lives since India's independence in 1947.

The prime minister's visit, which was broadcast on regional television, was to continue later Sunday in the main city of Assam state, Guwahati.

"We are very serious to work with the people of the northeast to solve their various problems like underdevelopment and unemployment, besides promoting peace and accelerating development," the premier said.

Singh said his government had received "positive overtures" from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa), an influential separatist group fighting for an independent homeland in Assam, neighbouring Manipur.

And he said a special committee had been set up to review a controversial anti-terror law which gives sweeping powers to Indian troops fighting insurgents.