The Palgrave Handbook of National Security by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030534943
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Insurgency in the Northeast

Insurgency in the north-eastern part of India affects the seven states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland (often referred as ‘’Seven Sisters”). Though conventionally the insurgency is collectively referred as the ‘northeast insurgency’, the reality is quite complex in each of the seven states owing to multiple demands from insurgents in each of them, ranging from claims to autonomy to insistence on a separate independent state. Even the level of violence has differed spatially. The history of insurgency in the northeast goes back to the time of Indian independence where it was first manifested in Nagaland. At the root of the insurgency is the assertion of a distinct identity separate from the Indian nation. Consequently, many groups from the north-eastern part of India opposed the incorporation of their territories within the Indian state, pointing out that even administratively they were separate during colonial times.61 Geographically too, the northeast is connected to India by the slim 28 km Siliguri Corridor, and the region shares almost 98% of its borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. This slim geographical contiguity, complemented by historical factors linked to ethnic identities, accentuates the feeling of distinctiveness that led to the emergence of different insurgent movements in these states.

The northeast is also characterized by incredible diversity in terms of ethnicity and language, with a conglomeration of around 475 ethnic groups and sub-groups speaking over 400 languages and dialects.62 Often the cause of resentment has been inter-ethnic rivalries, exacerbated by the perceived demographic tension caused by the large-scale ‘migration’ of ‘outsiders’. These issues have been aggravated by the overall poor state of socio-economic development and a widespread feeling of exploitation and alienation.63 A prominent narrative north-eastern insurgents have sought to build concerns the distinctiveness of their identity and New Delhi’s indifference towards the genuine concerns of the local people. As the insurgency turned increasingly violent, the Indian state resorted to the use of force against rebel groups, further intensifying anti-New Delhi sentiments among the locals. Repressive laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) have been routinely subjected to criticism by not just locals, but also by the various human rights groups and civic and political leaders.64

When seen from the perspective of the state, the instability in these areas represents a grave threat in India’s overall security calculations. All states in the northeast share borders with countries like China, Bangladesh (earlier East Pakistan), Myanmar and Bhutan. To maintain order in these strategically crucial areas is imperative. Furthermore, insurgent groups in the northeast have developed external linkages and were receiving active and also indirect support from neighbouring countries.65 As violence escalated and insurgent groups started forming inter-linkages, the use of force has turned into a necessity.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.