Insurgencies of the Northeast

In Context

• The recent ambush and killings have once again brought the continuing insurgencies in the Northeast to the fore.

Reasons for armed insurgency/conflicts

• Unique tribal & ethnic divisions: Ethno- communal conflicts, local vs migrants, dominant tribal groups (Nagas raising, NSCN (IM) & (K), ULFA etc). 
• Historical reasons for the conflict: Historical connections among tribes are large of Tibeto-Burman/Mongloid (Ethnically, linguistically & culturally very distinct.)
• Physiographic constraints: Mountain terrains make it difficult for security forces to track borders.
• Governance issues: Lack of Politico-administrative arrangement, corruption, nexus b/w political & insurgent groups & Lack of Law & order
• Porous borders & arms availability: Result in arms & drugs trafficking (Golden Triangle), illegal immigration.
• Development Issues: Like poverty, unemployment, lack of connectivity, feeling of neglect etc, limited FDI inflow etc.

Challenges in tackling insurgencies

• Lack of coordination among agencies, Dual role of Assam Riffles, Poor connectivity, & lack of development.

Importance of NE Region

• National Security: Region shares an international border with the neighbouring countries.
  • NE is a landlocked region, the Siliguri Corridor connects the NE Region with mainland India. 
• Economic Importance: Resource-rich region, tourism & export potential, called growth engine of the country.
• Carbon Sink: Dense forest cover can play a huge role in such endeavour.
• Act East Policy: Potential to act as the Indian ‘Gateway to SouthEast Asia’. 

Government response to tackle insurgencies

• Development Level: 
  • NE Road Sector Development Scheme, National Bamboo Mission, Mahabahu-Brahmaputra inland waterway project, Dhubri Phulbari bridge.
• Cultural Level: 
  • North Eastern Cultural and Information Centre, Tribal Festivals.
• Security Level: 
  • Declaration of Protected Area/Restricted Areas( no foreigner can visit prior permission), AFSPA,  
• International Level:
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project, Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor, Strengthening Act East Policy (Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link, 
• Political & administrative.Level: 
  • Schedule 6 of Constitution, Establishment of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Nagaland Peace Accord, Bodo Peace Accord, Bru Settlement & North Eastern Council & Digital North East Vision 2022.

Way Forward

• Protracted efforts by the Security Forces, involvement of interlocutors, participation of social groups and reconciliation by various insurgent groups.

Source: FE