Significant deterioration throughout month as violence escalated in northeast and terrorist attacks rocked Delhi. 3 coordinated blasts in capital on eve of major Hindu and Muslim festivals killed 59, 29 October; little-known Islami Inqilabi Mahaz (Islamic Revolutionary Group) claimed responsibility. Territorial dispute between rival northeastern separatist groups escalated into full-scale ethnic violence. Civilians targeted in Assam state’s Karbi Anglong district: over 86 killed, 30,000 displaced in clashes between Karbi and Dimasa separatist groups. Peace talks between government and separatist United Liberation Front of Assam began 26 October. Communal violence in Uttar Pradesh state triggered by shooting at Hindu religious procession killed 7. Troop numbers to be doubled along Nepal border to prevent infiltration of Maoist insurgents. 13 security personnel killed by blast in Chatra district of Jharkhand state; Communist Party of India-Maoist prime suspects. …convince mainstream parties they can abandon their violent repression. The government’s refusal to reciprocate the ceasefire, however, encourages renewed conflict. There are encouraging signs that serious negotiations are possible, but the Maoists will rejoin mainstream politics only if they see sufficient advantages and are convinced they will not make greater gains by other means.

Violence and demonstrations continued in northeast and Naxalite belt. Over 40 killed in various incidents in northeast involving separatist groups, students and security forces. Maoist attacks on security forces and civilians continued: 15 village security group members in Jharkhand state killed; landmine in neighbouring Chhattisgarh state claimed 23 police; 5 civilians later abducted and killed. Government announced plans to combat Maoist violence by improving development and security for 9 affected states.

Government of Andhra Pradesh state re-imposed ban on Communist Party of India (Maoist) amid continuing violence: 10 killed, including Congress party legislator, by suspected Maoist rebels 15 August. Several prominent writers with alleged ties to rebels arrested. Separatist Naga tribesmen lifted month-long blockade of national highway in north-eastern state of Manipur. United Liberation Front of Assam admitted attacking Assam state oil infrastructure but denied responsibility for 7 August bombing of market near state capital Guwahati, which killed 4.

Historic development in U.S. relations with agreement on civilian nuclear cooperation - recognising India as “responsible” nuclear power: India to ensure military and civilian nuclear programs separate, place civilian reactors under IAEA safeguards, continue moratorium on nuclear testing. Mixed reaction internationally with fear of erosion of Non-Proliferation Treaty. Domestic sectarian, separatist and Naxalite violence continued. 5 July attack on disputed Ayodhya Hindu site in northern Uttar Pradesh state, attributed to Pakistan-based Lashkar-i-Tayyaba, killed all 6 attackers: demonstrations by Hindu nationalists followed. 13 killed in bomb on Uttar Pradesh state train 28 July. Hindu- Muslim clashes in central Madhya Pradesh state killed 2. Security forces claimed 4 Maoists killed in Andhra Pradesh. Northeastern unrest continued: highway blockade, arson and army ambush in Manipur state by Bodo separatists claimed 3. Separate Naga rebel group, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM), extended ceasefire with New Delhi.

Conflict with Naxalites and northeastern separatists continued unabated. At least 20 killed in Maoist attack on police station and state-run banks in Bihar state 24 June while 10 reportedly killed as villagers and Maoists clashed in eastern Chhattisgarh state. 12 states affected by leftist insurgencies reportedly agreed to form joint task force to facilitate intelligence sharing and planning among state security agencies (according to Home Ministry’s latest annual report, 76 districts in 9 states affected by leftist rebels). Strike called 23 June in India’s northeastern Manipur state over alleged killing of civilian by paramilitary Assam Rifles. 8 suspected members of banned United National Liberation Front and People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak reportedly killed in encounter with military in Manipur 22 June. India and U.S. signed 10-year agreement to strengthen defence ties 29 June.

Andhra Pradesh unrest continued; mixed developments in northeast while fighting broke out in Manipur state between rival separatist groups Zomi Revolutionary Army and United National Liberation Front 14 May. National Democratic Front of Bodoland signed ceasefire deal with federal government 25 May. Talks between government and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN (I-M)) ended without progress. Two bombs detonated in New Delhi cinema halls showing film considered offensive by some Sikhs 23 May, killing 1. At least 7 killed in southern Andhra Pradesh state 13 May: police shot dead 6 Telugu Desam Party opposition party supporters during violent clashes - sparking riot in which policeman stoned to death. Suspected Maoist insurgents killed 7 police, 1 civilian in Maharashtra state 30 May. Talks held with Pakistan 26-27 May to discuss Siachen Glacier and Sir Creek border disputes ended without progress.

Developments in northeast: National Democratic Front of Bodoland agreed to extend ceasefire for further 6 months; 17 April attack in Manipur state killed 1; Mizoram government and Bru National Liberation Front signed peace accord to end 8 years of militancy, will allow repatriation of thousands of Bru refugees from neighbouring North Tripura district. Communist (CPI-M) rebels killed 2 politicians and village head in Andhra Pradesh 9 April. Federal government reportedly asked state administrations to intensify anti-Maoist operations in “Naxalite belt” stretching across central India.

Communist (CPI-M) rebels continued to clash with Andhra Pradesh security forces: at least 18 killed including 3 policemen on eve of visit by Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi. In northeast Assam state, separatists killed 4 in 3 days of grenade attacks claimed by United Liberation Front of Assam. Head of separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM threatened to end 7-year ceasefire if long-running talks with federal government make no progress. Clashes between members of NSCN-IM and rival NSCN-Khaplang faction also threaten ceasefire.

Sporadic violence continued in northeast, north and south. Curfew imposed in northern city of Lucknow after 20 February sectarian violence killed 3. Unrest following breakdown of peace talks between Andhra Pradesh state and Maoist groups continued; 8 killed by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-M) in Andhra Pradesh 1 March; in neighbouring Karnataka state 6 policemen killed in CPI-M attack following earlier killing of Maoist leader. Second round of provincial elections held in northern states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Haryana; at least 30 killed in poll violence blamed mainly on Maoist rebels. Four soldiers killed in northeastern Manipur state in 17 February attack by suspected separatists.

Andhra Pradesh state peace process in ruins after Maoist groups, including Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-M), accused elite police force “greyhounds” of violating ceasefire with heavy-handed search operations in Maoist areas. Riots, arson and strike followed 24 January killing of former state minister and Telugu Desam Party leader P. Ravindra. Rebel groups called for boycott of 26 January national day celebrations in northeastern states; 5 bombs exploded, police killed 2.