Conflicts in Seven Sisters States (North-East India)
Introduction
Seven states from Indias Northeast includes Assam, Arunachal Pradesh,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura well known as Seven
sisters and Sikkim(a state of Indian union in 1975,became a member of the
regional North Eastern council in 2003.Hence became a eighth Northeastern
state ) are the locations of the earliest and longest insurgency in the country
These states cover a combined area around 7.7% of the countrys territory
and around 3.74% of national population
This northeast region is poorly connected to the Indian mainland by a small
corridor Silliguri corridor (known as Chickens neck)and it is home to
numerous diverse communities and located strategically with borders with
other countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Tibet/ China and Myanmar which
created conflicts several times that is danger for Indias democracy
In addition of insurgencies in the states, there are conflicts and
confrontations over land use and control, issues of language, identity
formation, demographic change and minority-majority problems
At the commencement of the constitution, the present states of Nagaland,
Meghalaya and Mizoram constituted a district each of Assam, whereas
Arunachal Pradesh, then NEFA (North-East Frontier Association),consisted of
several frontier tracts administered by the Governor of Assam was
therefore, to be a part of that state. The states of Manipur and Tripura were
princely states which after merger with India in 1948 became Union
territories.
State of Nagaland(1963), Meghalaya(1972),conferring first , status of Union
territory(1972) and subsequently statehood(1987) to Arunachal Pradesh and
Mizoram and elevation of Manipur and Tripura from Union territories to States
in 1972
Following the large scale reorganization of the region in 1972,a regional body,
the North Eastern Council(NEC) was set up to provide a forum for inter-state
coordination, regional planning and integrated development of the region to
avoid intra-regional disparities
Historical reason for conflicts
The historical connections among the traditional tribes in the Northeast are
mainly of Tibetan, Barman and Mongoloid stock and closer to Southeast Asia
than to South Asia. It is ethnically, linguistically and culturally very
distinct from the other states of India
Though cultural and ethnic diversity per say are not causes for conflict, but
one of the major problem areas is that Northeast is territorially organized in
such a manner that ethnic and cultural specificities were ignored during the
process of outlining of state boundaries in the 1950s, giving rise to
dissatisfaction of ones identity
The colonial rulers took nearly a century to annex the entire region and
administered the hill as a loose frontier area as a result the large parts of
the northeastern hill areas never came in touch with the principle of a
central administration before. Hence, their loyalty to the newly formed states
was lacking from the beginning which meant the loss of a major chunk of the
physical connection between mainland and Northeast.
Interestingly, 99% of the Northeasts boundaries is international and only
1% is domestic boundary
Typology of Conflicts
Conflicts in the Northeast region from insurgency for secession to insurgency
for autonomy, from sponsored terrorism to ethnic clashes to conflicts
generated as a result of continuous inflow of migrants from across the
borders as well as from other States. Conflicts in the region can be broadly
grouped under the following categories:
o
National conflicts: Involving concept of a distinct homeland as a
separate nation and pursuit of the realization of that goal by its
votaries
Ethnic conflicts: Involving assertion of numerically smaller and less
dominant tribal groups against the political and cultural hold of the
dominant tribal group. In Assam this also takes the form of tension
between local and migrant communities.
o
Sub-regional conflicts: Involving movements which ask for
recognition of sub-regional aspirations and often come in direct conflict
with the State Governments or even the autonomous Councils.
Issues of governance
The Indian governments past and ongoing processes of national integration,
state-building and democratic consolidation have further aggravated the
conflict scenario in the region. For instance, the eight states comprising the
Northeast is populated by nearly 40 million inhabitants who vary in language,
race, tribe, caste, religion, and regional heritage. Therefore, most often, the
clubbing of all these states under the tag of northeast has tended to have
a homogenizing effect with its own set of implications for policy formulation
and implementation; not to mention local unwillingness to such a construct
The politico-administrative arrangements made by the Centre have also been
lacking. For instance, the introduction of the Sixth Schedule Autonomous
Councils (currently there are ten such Councils in the region and many more
demanding such status) ended up creating multiple power centers instead of
bringing in a genuine process of democratization or autonomy in the region
The AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act) for instance, shows the inability
and reluctance of the government to solve the conflict with adequate political
measures. The AFSPA was passed on 18 August, 1958, as a short-term
measure to allow deployment of the army to counter an armed separatist
movement in the Naga Hills, has been in place for the last five decades and
was extended to all the seven states of the Northeast region in 1972 (with
the exception of Mizoram).
It was part of a bundle of provisions, passed by the central government, to
retain control over the Naga areas, in which the Naga National Council (NNC)
demanded further autonomous rights. The AFSPA became a powerful
measure for the central and the state government to act against actors
challenging the political and territorial integrity of India.
As a result, the Indian army for the first time since its independence was
deployed to manage an internal conflict. But, instead of resolving the
problem, it led to an ongoing escalation of the conflict by bringing it on a
military level. The regular violations of human rights has led to a
radicalization and militarization of the region and weakened also the
supporters of a political solution. A fact-finding commission, appointed by the
government in 2004, complained that the AFSPA has become a symbol of
oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and
highhandedness.
Though the conflict in the region is mired with complex political-economic
issues, such as, struggle over natural resources, migration related issues,
displacement, social exclusion it is mainly the politics of identity lie at the
heart of the bigger part of the current conflict constellations in the Northeast
Foreign Policy imperative
Indias look east policy which was formulated in 1991 on the heels of
Indias economic liberalization, was a foreign economic policy initiative
towards South East Asia. The Northeast which is geographically situated
between mainland India and Southeast Asia is supposed to have had
immense developmental benefits as a result of this initiative and hence, have
synergy effects on reducing poverty in the region; as well as on insurgency
and armed conflict.
The regions diverse natural resources, rich bio-diversity and enormous
hydro-electricity potential, among others, could also help to overcome the
widespread feeling of backwardness among the inhabitants of the Northeast
But there is also increasing argument made that the impact of increased
introduction of market imperatives in the traditional society of the region
would have irreversible impact on the peoples culture and life and it would
also lead to increased settlement of mainland people to the northeast
Thereby it is of high importance, that the announced opening will take place
in a regulated frame and through cooperation with the local people,
otherwise it could aggravate the tensions between the center and the region.
The government has also faced criticism in the way in which it has been
looking at the Northeast as an issue of territorial security rather than
development per say. The fear of a growing Chinese influence, as well as,
increasing cross-border terrorism (Myanmar, Bangladesh) in the region are
some of the factors cited as reasons for limiting India in its attempt to open
the region.
State Specific Conflict Profiles
Assam
A wide variety of ethnic conflicts prevail in the State e.g. agitations against
influx of foreigners, perceived inability of the Government to deport them;
occasional tensions between religious/linguistic groups and escalating
conflicts involving tribal communities who seek local autonomy etc.
National/Extremist Conflicts
Undivided Assam had the longest history of insurgency. Naga and Mizo
insurgencies were the earliest to flare up. Even in the present truncated
Assam, there are a number of extremist outfits led by the United Liberation
Front of Assam (ULFA).
It has also been argued that there have been several contributing factors for
the youth to join the cadres of UL FA such as unemployment, corruption in
Government machinery, influx of illegal migrants, dominance of nonAssamese in the business sector, perception of exploitation of Assams
natural resources by the Centre and alleged human right violation by the
Security Forces
It became active from the 1980s and till the late 1990s, enjoyed considerable
public support due to a perception that insurgency is causing
secessions from Assam and that if only the Assamese had launched a
violent counter-agitation, the situation would have been different. The
average Assamese also regarded the six years of largely non-violent agitation
for expulsion of foreigners as having achieved very little success.
With large scale criminalization of ULFA cadres in the 1990s there was a rapid
loss of public support particularly among the urban middle classes. Another
factor for its decline was ULFAs known links with the agencies of certain
foreign countries with interest in subverting the distinctive culture of the
State and in causing unrest in the country.
It also appears that repeated volte-face by ULFA during several abortive
negotiations with the Government, affected its credibility. After the crackdown
by the Bhutanese Army, ULFA has not recovered its past strength though the
organization tries to make its presence felt through kidnappings, bomb blasts
and selective murder of migrant workers. In addition, almost all tribal
communities have some armed outfits purportedly safeguarding their
interests.
Ethnic Conflict
The major ethnic conflict in the State is the grievance against the perceived
influx of foreigners i.e. people with a language and culture substantially
different from the Assamese from across the border (i.e. Bangladesh). The
foreigners agitation of 1979-85 brought Assam to the centre stage of
attention.
The problem can be traced to the early years of the last century when the
landless from the neighboring overpopulated districts of East Bengal
started arriving in the fertile and then substantially fallow Brahmaputra
valley. Following communal rioting in East Pakistan in the 1950s and 1960s
there were further waves of migration from the minority community of that
country.
The Bodos, a major tribe and among the earliest settlers in the State,
initiated a stream of insurgency on the issues of the dispossession of their
tribal lands by Bengali and Assamese settlers, as well as neglect of the Bodo
language and culture. Kokrajhar and parts of the Goalpara districts are the
focus of Bodo discontent. Towards the latter half of the 1980s, the Bodos
started demanding a separate State within India
Still later, growing unemployment, fragmentation of land and the war for
the liberation of Bangladesh encouraged a renewed influx even from the
majority community. With the fear of being culturally and politically
swamped, resentment built up among the Assamese and escalated into one
of independent Indias most prolonged and vigorous agitations.
While both the Union and State Governments have accorded priority to the
process of detection
Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution and deportation of illegal migrants
(foreigners), the issue continues to simmer with the original inhabitants
claiming that for reasons of vote bank politics effective steps are not being
taken to deport them while people sharing the religious-linguistic profile of
the foreigners claim that they are harassed and unreasonably forced to
prove their Indian citizenship.
Arunachal Pradesh:
The State has remained peaceful after the cease-fire with National Socialist
Council of Nagaland (NSCN) which was active in Tirap District. There was
some disquiet with the settlement of relatively more enterprising Chakma
refugees from Bangladesh in the State in large numbers which appears to
have subsided.
Growing income disparities and constriction of employment opportunities
could be a potential source of conflicts.
Manipur:
Manipur lies in the midst of hills and valleys and due to its geographical
position and natural boundaries access to Manipur is limited. One fourth of
Manipur (which is the valley), is home to more than seventy per cent of its
population which predominantly consists of the culturally distinct Meitei
community.
The State was ruled as a monarchy (later princely state) by Meitei rulers. The
Meitei influence declined in the socio-economic spheres after Independence
with the tribals coming into the forefront largely because of reservations.
There was also resentment in a section of the Meitei society about the merger
of the State with the Indian Union a resentment which led to the Meitei
insurgency from the 1960s.There are currently 34 groups and organizations,
including non-violent ones, that demand independence from India
Tribals account for around thirty per cent of the States population and
broadly belong to Naga, Kuki-Chin and Mizo groups. There is considerable
tension among the tribes over land and boundaries and violence between
Nagas and Kukis took a toll of more than 2000 lives during the 1990s.
The cease-fire between the Union Government and the NSCN has reduced
violence in Naga areas but has given rise to fresh tensions as the NSCN
insists on a greater Nagalim which would include four Districts of Manipur.
This is stoutly resisted by the Meiteis and had caused a very violent agitation
in 2001. The assurance to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur has
resulted in comparative peace on this score.
It is reported that today militant organizations are virtually running a parallel
government in many districts of Manipur and they are able to influence the
decision of the State Government in awarding contracts, supply orders and
appointments in government service. It is also reported that militant
organizations indulge in widespread extortion and hold courts and dispense
justice in their areas of influence
Since there has not been any significant industrial development in the State,
there are no major industries or manufacturing units which could provide
employment for the educated youth. The biggest employer continues to be
the State not only in Manipur but the entire region. The educated youth has,
therefore, to look for employment in far off places like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune
and Bangalore, etc.
Since Inner Line Permit (ILP) exists in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal
Pradesh, people of Manipur have made an organization Federation of
Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) and theyre demanding Government
of India to implement Inner Line Permit system (ILP) in Manipur. In 2012,
Manipur State Assembly also passed a resolution urging Government of India,
to implement the ILP system to Manipur.
Blockades in Manipur
An advertisement, published in the leading local newspapers of Imphal which
promises an LPG cylinder or Photon (internet data card) free with every
Sony Vaio laptop bought, only sums up the situation.
Manipur faces the LPG crisis due to frequent economic blockade on the
National Highways 39 (Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal) and 53 (Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar) .
Due to the blockade, trucks had not been able to enter the state and petroleum
products had become one of the most priced items not to speak of scarcity of
essential items besides its impact on their prices.
Item
LPG cylinder
Petrol
Diesel
Kerosene
Cooking oil
Cost of Essential commodities
Post-Blockade(Rs.)
Pre-Blockade(Rs.)
1800
415
120
65
60
40
50
40
105
13
Meghalaya:
The State is fortunately free from violence of the intensity that prevails in
many other parts of the region. Except violence against outsiders
particularly the Bengali speaking linguistic minority, there have been no
major problems in the State. Still some are following concerns
o Increasing clash of interest between the State Government and the
Sixth Schedule District Councils the entire State is under that
Schedule
o Increasing inter-tribal rivalry
o Emerging tensions about infiltration from Bangladesh particularly in
the Garo Hills
Mizoram:
The State with its history of violent insurgency and its subsequent return to
peace is an example to all other violence affected States. Following an
accord between the Union Government and the Mizo National Front in 1986
and conferment of statehood the next year, complete peace and harmony
prevails in Mizoram.
The State is recognized as having done a commendable job in the
implementation of development programmes and making agriculture
remunerative. The only potential areas of conflict are the growing income and
assets disparities in a largely egalitarian society and the dissatisfaction of the
three small non-Mizo District Councils with the State Government, on account
of issues pertaining to identity and reservation as STs.
Nagaland:
Following the cease-fire with the dominant Muivah-Swu of the NSCN, the
State is virtually free from overt violent unrest although it is the original hot
spot of insurgency. The minority Khaplang faction who does not approve of
the cease-fire has also, on the whole, remained peaceful.
Still some are following concerns
o The lingering issue of a final political settlement including the demand
for greater Nagaland or Nagalim which has already noted is
causing disquiet in the neighboring areas, particularly Manipur.
o Growing competition over the limited resources of the State and the
problem of unemployment of the educated youth.
Tripura:
The States demographic profile was altered since 1947 when mass
migrations from the newly emerged East Pakistan converted it from a
largely tribal area to one with a majority of Bengali. Tribals were
deprived of their agricultural lands at throw-away prices and driven to the
forests.
The resultant tensions caused major violence and widespread terror with the
tribal dominated Tripura National Volunteers (TNV) emerging as one of the
most violent extremist outfits in the North East. Proximity to Mizoram
exposed the State to the side effects of that insurgency.
However, effective decentralization in the non-scheduled areas, bringing
tribal areas within the purview of an autonomous Sixth Schedule Council,
successful land reforms and systematic promotion of agriculture have
contributed to considerable conflict reduction.
The changing religious composition of tribal groups (particularly, the
Jamatiyas) is giving rise to newer tensions with apprehension of increased
inter-tribal conflicts. While the tribal non-tribal clashes are on the decline,
there is growing resentment among the tribals due to the restrictions on their
freedom to use the forests and their nominal participation in district
development.
Despite impressive strides made by the State in the last decade, the fact
remains that the virtual embargo on trans-border movement of goods, and
services to Bangladesh from Tripura have impeded the tempo of economic
growth of the State. The Ministry of External Affairs should take up this
Tripura specific issue during bilateral negotiations for increased economic
cooperation with Bangladesh.
Sikkim:
The State has not only done well in the sphere of development through
decentralized planning but the constitutional mandate of striking a balance
between the various ethnic groups (mainly the Lepchas, Bhutiyas and
Nepalis) has also prevented emergence of major conflicts.
Modes of Conflict Resolution
The modes of conflict resolution in the North East have been through
following
o Security forces/ police action
o More local autonomy through mechanisms such as conferment of
Statehood, the Sixth Schedule, Article 371 C of the Constitution in case
of Manipur and through tribe specific accords in Assam etc.
o negotiations with insurgent outfits
o development activities including special economic packages
o The conflict prevention and resolution in the North East would require a
judicious mix of various approaches strengthened by the experience of
successes and failures of the past.
Some Report recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act
1958 may be repealed in the North East with some of its provisions
incorporated in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to enable the
Security Forces to have operational freedom consistent with human rights
concerns. There are many other recommendations pertaining to Police
reforms and toning up the local intelligence set up etc that would also apply
to the situation in the North East.
The other mode of conflict resolution is the developmental approach. This
approach embodies the thinking that if institutions of development are
created in the region and plan outlays substantially increased, the problems
of politics, society, ethnic strife, militant assertion and of integration will get
minimized
Political Paradigm
The realization that the people of the North East needed special support to
have their voice heard in a large polity with which they had little contact was
evident since Independence itself. While there is always room for creative
political solutions of the perennial problems of the region through building of
consensus and continually enlarging the scope of democratization, it is
doubtful if the political paradigm admits further radical innovations. There is
a case for now working towards making the existing political instrumentalities
realize their potential for the growth and well being of this important part of
our country.
At the political level, therefore, what is now required is the strengthening of
the rule of law and constitutional politics, the authority and legitimacy
of the democratically elected State and local governments. This would satisfy
the need for introducing accountability and democratic practice into the
conflict resolution machinery in the North East
It would also involve an enhanced role for the legislatures, State
administration and elected local governments in the region. Recent
developments such as the establishment of elected village councils in the
Sixth Schedule areas in Tripura, the successful initiative of elected VEC and
AEC in Meghalaya to implement the NREGA, the effective involvement of the
largely elected Village Area Development Committees in Nagaland and the
initiation of communalization are all testimony of how democratic processes
in village governance and development can yield positive results.
This would call for bringing elements of democratic processes in local
governance and development in the North East. In particular, there is need
for introducing village self-governance in the Sixth Schedule areas (as
appropriate to the specific conditions in each State), strengthening and
providing resources to the autonomous councils to carry out their assigned
executive responsibilities and for making suitable changes in respect of the
tribal areas outside the Sixth Schedule and the tribe-specific Councils of
Assam.
It would also require revamping of the existing system of delivery of public
services by entrusting this responsibility to the local bodies
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Info:Prithvirajsinh Zala
References:
http://www.thehindu.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
http://www.easternpanorama.in
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
