Singh's visit aims to start a "new process" of hope and peace

But Manmohan Singh refused to scrap a security law which has caused controversy in troubled Manipur state.

He urged activists to await the outcome of a review of the anti-terror law.

Mr Singh was speaking at the end of a visit to Manipur. He went on to Assam on the second leg of the regional trip. Last week he visited disputed Kashmir.

Peace and prosperity

"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 north-east," Mr Singh told a news conference in the Manipur state capital Imphal on Sunday.

"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 seven states comprising India's troubled north-east.

The region is home to more than 200 ethnic and tribal communities and over 20 rebel groups fighting for greater degrees of independence or tribal rights.

The Indian army began a massive offensive against the Manipur rebel bases on the India-Burma border late last month.

Law 'misused'

Indian troops were on high alert for the prime minister's Manipur visit after a strike was called by separatist groups.

The state has been on the boil since the killing and alleged rape in July of a Manipur woman held by Indian soldiers who claimed she was an insurgent.

Indian forces battling insurgents have sweeping powers under a special law including the right to shoot suspects on sight.

A grouping of some 30 organisations in Manipur alleges that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is grossly misused.

While in Manipur, Mr Singh also presided over the handover to the local authorities of Kangla Fort - a vast historic site used for decades by troops sent to fight rebels.

Overtures?

However analysts say Mr Singh's visit to Manipur was high on promises and symbolism but low on actual breakthrough, reflecting his usual cautious style.

The Indian prime minister is ending his three-day tour of the north-east with a trip to Assam.

He is expected to make further overtures to Assam's largest insurgent group, the ULFA, Reuters news agency said.