New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Asserting that most of the northeast region was conflict-free and militant groups were in "talk mode", union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Friday said it was the responsibility of the states to ensure a business friendly environment.

"Most states in the northeast region are conflict-free and militant groups are in talk mode," said Chidambaram.

"The states in the region have a responsibility to ensure a business friendly environment," he said at the 7th northeast business summit organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Development of North East Region here.

While most parts of Meghalaya, Sikkim, Mizoram and Asssam were conflict free, parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Assam still suffered from violence, the minister said.

He congratulated the chief ministers for bringing the militant groups on the negotiating table.

Noting that kidnappings were still taking place in some parts of northeast, the home minister urged the states to suppress such activities.

Chidambaram said states would have to remove the public perception that the northeast region is conflict ridden so business opportunities can grow.

"States should not allow the counter culture to business grow. We want to build a modern society. Managers will go there only if they feel safe," said the home minister.

Stating that 2010 marked a new low in level of violence in the region, Chidambaram expressed the hope that 2012 would be better.

Assuring funds for the development of the region, Chidambaram said the cooperation between central and state governments has resulted in the realisation that violence would not pay and that talks were the only way to find solutions to the problems of the region.

While most infrastructure development in the region was happening with central support, the states need to focus on developing tourism, agri-processing and other job oriented activities, the minister stressed.