The criticism over recent killings by militants in the Northeast, particularly in Assam, has prompted the Centre to take a closer look at the security situation in the states. Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has met chief ministers and governors of four states in the region since Monday.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi met Patil on Monday and briefed him on the situation after the killing of Hindi-speaking migrants in Karbi Anglong. The state Government has already decided to raise a jungle warfare battalion to combat militants, including the ULFA.

Manipur and Meghalaya chief ministers O Ibobi Singh and D D Lapang, respectively, met Patil on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayanan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met the Union Home minister separately. The issues discussed included the arrest of militants from the homes of some legislators in Manipur, ceasefire with militant groups in Meghalaya and clashes between rival factions of the NSCN in Nagaland.

Patil was scheduled to meet Assam Governor Ajai Singh, Manipur Governor S S Sidhu and Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga over the next few days, ministry sources said.

In another meeting on Wednesday, Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta reviewed the situation in Manipur. The meeting was attended by state Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and Director General of Police Y Joykumar.