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Northeast - Integrating the Seven Sisters
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Brig Amrit Kapur | Date:20 Feb , 2016 15 Comments
Brig Amrit Kapur
former  Commandant of Counter- Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram.

Tripura is yet another very vulnerable state. 7/8th of Tripura’s boundary abuts Bangladesh and 1/8thwith Cachar (South Assam). Due to unfortunate geographical circumstances, its security considerations should never be neglected, delayed, postponed or pushed under the carpet.

Arunachal has an IB with Tibet and Myanmar. Nagaland and Mizoram have an IB with Myanmar. Apparently, we have no problems with Tibet but China refuses to recognise the McMahon Line, so the stalemate continues. Also, critical differences remain over the 90,000 sq km area of Arunachal Pradesh, though after death of Mao Tse Tung the Chinese involvement and support to militant groups has considerably reduced. In any case, Arunachal is not known to have any effective indigenous insurgent group, although the people of Arunachal Pradesh are vulnerable to exploitation by NSCN groups using the lower slopes as safe havens. Myanmar has always been a friend to India but unfortunately, the writ of Burmese insurgent groups runs in the region bordering the Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The terrain is ideally suited for infiltration and exfiltration by insurgent groups. We have the best of relations with the Burmese Army. Arunachal, more or less, kept itself away from any type of insurgency movement but any form of political machination can push this state also towards extremism.

Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh have an IB with Tibet (China). The development of a most modern infrastructure in Tibet by China, although good for Tibet, could be a cause of concern to us.

Northwest Assam has a common border with Bhutan, which is a landlocked country. It also has border with Tibet. Presently, we have the best of relations with Bhutan. Joint operations against the ULFA and other insurgent groups located in Southern Bhutan are a testimony of regional cooperation against terrorism.

Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh have an IB with Tibet (China). The development of a most modern infrastructure (roads and other allied facilities) in Tibet by China, although good for Tibet, could be a cause of concern to us. China has developed a road network right up to the IB and we are still far behind. We have got to develop these areas on priority.

Mizoram has an IB with Myanmar and Bangladesh. It had the fiercest insurgency in this region under the militant leader, Laldenga, who later on became the first Chief Minister of Mizoram. Mizoram has been the most pragmatic state of our country. It realised the futility of continued unrest and opted out of insurgency and has been nurtured into a very dynamic, mature and buoyant democracy, especially so under the leadership of the present Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, a graduate of Imphal University. Incidentally, Zoramthanga was No 2 to Laldenga while in the Mizo National Front when it was an underground organisation. Mizoram, to a great extent, has resolved its problems with Myanmar by having a free trading zone of 20 km but it has to guard against the drug menace from the east and the creeping invasion from the west. Cachar District (Assam), which is to its west has been flooded with migrants and they are inching forward towards the less populated zone i.e. Mizoram. the demographic pattern of the state has already been affected. Today Mizoram is the most peaceful state of our country but it is better to avoid complacency.

Assam, the mother of all Northeastern states, is today in turmoil. The main reasons are basically two i.e. carving out of six states out of one and secondly its border with East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). It has common boundaries with all the six states. Assam was sparsely populated and this void was filled by a mass scale influx of refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan. This not only disturbed the demographic balance but in a number of districts resulted in demographic inversion. This has facilitated the emergence of a large number of insurgent groups including Muslim Fundamentalist Militia backed by the Pakistan Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). Currently, there are as many as 34 insurgent groups who have been identified, though the ULFA is the main player.

We have very large numbers of ex Defence Services officers who have vast experience in this field, who understand the pulse and the ground realities.

The ominous part of this development is the post 1990 mushrooming of insurgent groups along tribal, religious and cultural lines. We need to put a stop on further migration and de-recognise the status accorded to a segment of refugees who have migrated after a particular agreed upon date. Political expediency needs to be shown. To stop further influx of refugees, the border with Bangladesh is required to be very effectively policed. Notwithstanding the above, peace in Assam will always be contingent upon stability in the other six states. Therefore, more teeth need to be given to the statutory coordinating body, the North East Council. Human Resource personnel with the requisite background, who have dealt with countering insurgency right from its inception, need to be inducted. We have very large numbers of ex Defence Services officers who have vast experience in this field, who understand the pulse and the ground realities. Induction of ex Defence Services officers in all disciplines in all types of cadres in civil administration can be the single most important factor for affecting an overall bonding and integration with rest of India.

Meghalaya faces a major problem due to the illegal migration of Bangladesh Muslims into the state, in particular into the Garo Hills. The anti outsider feeling amongst the local populace often leads to violence. The aspirations of Garo, Jantia and Khasi hill tribes are soaring high with increased economic activity, due to large scale tapping of natural resources. These aspirations if not met adequately can lead to insurgency. It will be pertinent to mention here that the state is surrounded on all sides by active insurgencies. The thick forests of the state provide an ideal transit route for the underground groups. Meghalaya should be considered as a ‘mountain of peace’ and should be used as a platform for sending out peaceful vibes in all directions.

The main bone of contention of Manipur insurgent groups is the demand for a Greater Nagaland (Nagalim) by NSCN (IM) that includes Manipurs Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel districts.

As mentioned earlier, Tripura’s 7/8th border is with Bangladesh. The insurgency in Tripura is mainly due to a large influx of Bangladesh migrants. The influx started with a demographic invasion and has now acquired the status of ‘demographic inversion’. This has resulted in pressure on tribal lands. A nexus between major political parties and insurgent groups is very evident. These groups are easily aided by ISI through the 865 km porous border with Bangladesh. Bangladesh has also provided safe sanctuary to the militant groups. Tripura has now emerged as one of the leading states to provide a safe corridor for smuggling of arms into the Northeastern states. In the year 2002, the Tripura Governor initiated a package of counter insurgency measures, which have started yielding results. However, Tripura will continue to be unstable as it is surrounded by Bangladesh on 7/8th of its periphery. A proactive policy is considered the only solution for lasting peace.

Manipur has an IB with Myanmar, the interstate boundary with Nagaland to its north, Assam to its west and Mizoram to its southwest. The state has no major problem from Myanmar except that it has become the biggest transit hub for drugs. The main bone of contention of Manipur insurgent groups is the demand for a Greater Nagaland (Nagalim) by NSCN (IM) that includes Manipur’s Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Senapati and Chandel districts. Redrawing of interstate boundaries at this juncture will only lead to further unrest and instability. In a coalition era, such an initiative will always be opposed from one quarter or the other. This is a typical problem of clash of ethnic interests. In a democratic and secular state there is need to shun caste and creed based politics. The fallout is evident in these states. Although the Prime Minister has assured the Manipur Government that its state boundaries will not be redrawn, such ethnic and tribal contiguity will continue to be the bone of contention between Nagaland and Manipur. In case adequate statecraft is not exercised by the two states, a reverse flow of insurgency is very much on the cards.

The key player to fuel insurgency in Nagaland was China till the late sixties and thereafter the indirect approach through East Pakistan was extensively used.

Nagaland to its east has Myanmar, Manipur to its south, Arunachal Pradesh to its northeast, and Assam to its northwest. The Naga insurgency is the mother of all insurgencies in Independent India. It started in the mid fifties and continues till date, although in a state of suspended animation, with a ceasefire accepted by both sides and extended from time to time. The ethnic conflict between two rival factions of the NSCN remains one of the most intractable problems of Naga Insurgency and sporadic internecine conflicts between the two groups continue. The insurgency in Nagaland continues to thrive through safe-havens provided by Bangladesh and Myanmar to NSCN (IM). The key player to fuel insurgency in Nagaland was China till the late sixties and thereafter the indirect approach through East Pakistan was extensively used. The Naga people in general want their state to remain peaceful. It is high time both NSCN groups reconcile. It is better to shun extra territorial demands. Another important reason was the lack of political imagination, which has been reasonably addressed, in the recent past. The Prime Minister has even offered to talk to any terrorist / insurgent group without any precognition. Unimaginative policies, indifferent attitude, ignorance and not respecting tribal ethos and customs by successive governments, in particular and the Indian people in general, have created a cultural divide between the Northeastern states and the rest of India.

It would be of interest to know that there are over 220 different clans and over 415 dialects spoken in the Northeast. The British attempts to Christianise and educate them were largely successful but old tribal affiliations and rivalries continue. After independence, the initial overtures of the government clashed with the interests of the tribal community. This ignorance of ethnicity and continued neglect of development slowly pushed this region into the grip of full-fledged insurgencies. In this context, it is pertinent to mention Nehru’s farsighted views during a discussion about statehood for Nagaland. He had said, “The traditional machinery of Naga self-governance at village, range and tribal levels should be strengthened.” He even suggested that tribal names be given to the legislative assembly and the council of ministers. A top-heavy administrative system, as in other states, would be wasteful if adopted in Nagaland. The Nagas should be allowed to develop along their own lines; and select an organisation with tribal ethos.

The genesis of the problem has been made amply clear and transparent. The need of the hour is to address the problems and reasons identified in a logical, compassionate and systematic manner.

Another glaring problem has been that the political boundaries do not coincide with the existing ethnic and social boundaries. If we take a look at the demographic mosaic of Northeast India it shows that this region is a meeting point of various races; Mongoloids, Aryans and Austeric ethnic races. The Northeast states have not been able to cater to the demands of all the ethnic categories clamouring for recognition of their distinctive identity. That the region has been split into seven states already since independence bears testimony to the fact that the Central Government is not wholly unaware of this fact and yet it has not come to terms with it, which led to the mushrooming of insurgency in the area.

The alienation of the Northeast has come about due to the failure to recognise the peculiar historical, social and cultural factors of each area with the common effect of isolation. The situation is further accentuated by the influx of foreigners giving rise to ethnic parochialism and an identity crisis, which is fomented by fear of cultural submergence, economic deprivation and social insecurity. Attempts to create ethnic identity in the region have suffered, making the people susceptible to insurgents’ adaptations. The government, while showing excessive concern for the sensitivities of many ethnic and religious grouping, failed to bring them into the national mainstream. An unfortunate conciliatory approach adopted towards separatists was perceived as a sign of weakness and gave a fillip to secessionist and fissiparous trends.

A special service known as the Indian Frontier Administrative Service was established in 1957, to administer the Northeastern states. This service was doing a commendable job of adequately administering the Northeastern states with due regard to cultural and tribal sensitivities of the people. For reasons best known to the government, the Indian Frontier Administrative Service was abolished in the later half of the sixties and replaced by a top-heavy Indian Administiative Service (IAS).

The genesis of the problem has been made amply clear and transparent. The need of the hour is to address the problems and reasons identified in a logical, compassionate and systematic manner. Prosperity and peace in neighbouring countries will automatically curb the menace. Sanitisation of the IB is a must by physical means and the creation of artificial obstacles wherever possible. Expediency and urgency needs to be shown to stop Islamisation emanating from Bangladesh in all directions. The Northeast should become a hub for a Look east policy. It should become a gateway for ASEAN countries. Good governance coupled with doing away with the notified area clause and extension of transfer subsidies by yet another five years is recommended. Tourism, health, and IT should be included in the concessional package.

The Kamtapur movement needs to be nipped in the bud. Any complacency will threaten the most sensitive lifeline of the Northeastern states i.e. the ‘Siliguri Corridor’.

This article was first published in IDR Vol. 20 (2) Apr-Jun 2006.

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15 thoughts on “Northeast – Integrating the Seven Sisters

  1. Part Four:

    Basically the “Divide to rule” and “Keep the natives subservient” Government of India Act (1935) condemned India to a perpetual state of civil war when it was plagiarized into the Indian Constitution in 1949 with elements borrowed from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” being added to it ad nauseam. India needs to be vary of the Periyar-Ambedekar-Nehru-Gandhi-Imported Religions-Communist (PANGOLIN) Consensus that has looted, plundered, raped and massacred it since 1947 by means of the “Reservations-Corruption Raj” that the Pangolins created and maintained. This is why India has been so weakened from the Great Power that it was in 1957 to below Sub-Saharan Africa (UNDP – 2015) at 135 out of 172 countries in Human and Social Development and 143 out of 172 countries in internal peace and stability. Before this great and growing internal threat begotten by India’s Constitution and charlatan Cambridge, Columbia, Elphinstone, Presidency, St. Joseph’s, St. Stephen’s, Madras Christian, Loyola educated “founding fathers” who knew less about Indian History, cultures, traditions, religions and lives than their British over lords, that resolves itself into Blue, Green, Red and White belts that are crushing the country for their personal pleasure, pelf, perpetuation and perversions, all other threats become “lesser evils”.

  2. Part 3:

    It is India’s grotesque PANGOLIN dispensation and British born Constitution and laws that eradicated the matrilineal system in the South West and North East of India, turned women into chattels and deprived the tribals of their hereditary right of throrough fare and foraging in the forests of the Western Ghats, Himalayas and the Dandakaranya in 1959. This is the same year that saw the eradication of Brahmanism and the confiscation of the Commonwealth of the descendants of those who were called “Hindu” (i.e. those who are not the Din e Kitabi” or people of the Book) by the British prior to 1921 including their temples, educational institutions, grazing and agricultural lands, treasure, irrigation tanks and even their religious freedoms. (PANGOLIN = Periyar-Ambedkar-Nehru-Gandhi-Imported Religions-Communist). It is the arrest,incarceration and sexual violation of tribals exercising their ancestral rights by Forest Officers, Police and “Government” under the PANGOLIN laws of India that saw both the birth of the Naxalite-Maoist (or violent Communist) Movement in the Dandakaranya and the insurgencies of the North East. The Western Ghats and the Himalayan foothills have been less rebellious owing to the long relationship here with over arching Brahmanism that has been systematically eradicated by the PANGOLINs since 1947 and is being reflected in sporadic exhibitions of Communist (Naxal/Maoist or whatever) violence. The back drop to all this is that “Hinduism” is neither a religion nor a way of life. It is defunct nationality comprising myriad religions united, loosely and consensually, by Aryan (Brahmin) law that has been dismantled systematically since 1947. Under the great and unique freedoms of Brahmanism, almost every temple represented a unique religion and culture as did every nomadic sub-tribe.,

    Continued….

  3. Part 2:

    The South West and North West of India that had not been under Moslem tyranny like “Hindi” India were largely matriarchal and matrilineal The North East, the Dandakaranya and thw Westerb Ghats were also the free preserves of the tribals who tended to and preserved nature wile enjoying the rights to free through fare and foraging. This was recognized and respected by the law giving Brahmins of Aryavarta since the days of Bharatha with insignificant interference from either the Moslems or the British. The South West came into a close relationship with Brahmanism and gave up their tribal ways since the days when Parashurama and his disciples came and settled here after Parashurama received the Tripura Rahasya and Shrividya Deeksha from Dattareya at Kamakhya (presebt day Assam) long before the rest of South India, came to accept Brahmin Law in the hey days of the earlier Pandyan Empire that covered most of South India with fortified trading posts and maritime trade that stretched to Rome in the West and to Vietnam in the East. In more recent History the brutal Islamic rape, plunder and genocide in the South led to the formation of the Vijayanagar Empire that drew most of South India closer together under Brahmin Law and the Dharma of the Shakaracharyas of Shringeri that continued in former vice regalities such as Travancore and Mysore until the Indian Republic dismantled law, order, infrastructure, justice and governance in these unfortunate parts.

    Contiued…

  4. Manipur was a highly cultured “Special District” (Like Coorg) until 1947. It had the first written Constitution in the Sub Continent and was, arguably, even more cultured and Brahmanical than Mysore or Travancore. Nehru posted his Satrap there and began, with Ambedkar, his social engineering legislation which his Christian Satrap imposed with an iron hand while finding time away from his womanizing rape and plunder. Ever since, every family in Manipur has had at least one person under arms and underground. Just one small fractal of a nation in a perpetual civil war created by India’s founding “architects”. Notably, Ambedkar and Nehru. All of India’s seething unrest both kinetic and potential can be traced back to India’s grotesque “Animal Farm” Constitution and “Social Engineering” Laws that enforced a British day dream that Britain, itself, dare not have attempted in Britain, let alone India.. The violence under the surface of India, waiting to break out, is of massive proportions.

    Continued…

  5. Mainland countrymen should be more exposed to knowledge about aspirations, cultural and social lives about north east and challanges facing them, tourism, employment and sports will help integrate them with mainland

      • Sudarshan Rawat: I guess that is the reason they are not developed. So every state should have their own ILP? Development will happen only with tourism and people moving in and out. Seclusion will only keep the special interest happy. Seclusion is also an exploitation.

        • The land of tribals was bought by non- tribals at throwaway prices. The tribals were later reduced to landless/ bonded laborers. ILP has protected the interests of NE tribals, otherwise their fate would have been similar as of tribals in Maoist/ Naxalite affected areas. The powerful community always usurps the lands of weak and ignorant. Eg America, where the Whites took away all the lands of the natives.

          • We live in a Global Village, not in a tribal village, seclusion will keep the tribals, “tribals for life”. I don’t see any difference between this and erstwhile Shiv Sena’s practice in Bombay.

    • I agree with Sudarshan. Then it was required. I wonder Krish if you served in NE region during 60s to 80s. Probably you will not be asking such a question. Now since the NE region has been empowered to a great extent and there is less chance of exploitation so ILP conditions can be gradually relaxed.

  6. PLAN AND BUILD A THIRD OTS IN THE NE STATES . MORE JUNGLE WARFARE, MOUNTAIN WARFARE,COMMANDO SCHOOLS BE OPENED IN THE NE . RETIRED SOLDERS BE RECRUITED IN ENG/RAILWAY REGIMENTS , ROAD BUILDING COMPANIES , DISASTER RELIEF, REGIMENTS , TEACHERS , ARMED POLICE , CIVIL AND PARA MILTARY FORCES OF NE .LAND GRANTS TO OFFICERS SOLDERS BE GIVEN FOR STTLING AND RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.

  7. Adab Amrit Kapoor sahib…hope you will be keeping on well. I tried my best since your leaving Chenab region Doda to get some mob no or even address so that I could have shared few words about our good days in Doda. It was only today that I approached the search engine GOOGLE to get me your address. I came across your valueable articles which are master pieace especially about counter insurgency…..I would like to have your contact no ….Be kind enough to provide me the same through which we coul hear each other after along gape. how is every body at home …my regards to all…Be blessed….Haq Nawaz Nehru Doda

  8. The people of north-east are not friendly among themselves internally,there is so much division in the society which makes people think on basis of tribe and compete against one another….but the raw talent and courage is there,if you can harness it they can do anything to make you happy…I am from there and have observed this phenomenon….just stop saying people as chinese or nepali,if you say anything apart from these 2 terms people dont get agitated at all,they will not be problems with anybody of non noth-east area

  9. I am wondering, what a valuable person like the Brigadier can contribute to a special forces not relevant to the paratrooper, in the jungle, but certainly to the Marine Commando. The S. A. S. were Marine soldiers, primarily, in the Royal British Army. It seems, that this training is not mandatory to all soldiers, hence the special school for jungle warfare. The officers are given commando training, which is mandatory to all regiments.

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