Introduction
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) 2023-24 Annual Report, insurgency incidents in the North-East have declined by 71% since 2014. However, the resurgence of ethnic strife, such as the conflict in Manipur which accounted for approximately 77% of regional violence in 2023-24, combined with geopolitical instability across the border, underscores the fragile nature of peace in the region.
Major Challenges to Internal Security and the Peace Process
- Ethnic and Identity Fissures: Deep-seated inter-tribal and hill-valley divides—such as the Meitei versus Kuki-Zo conflict in Manipur—combined with long-standing friction between indigenous communities and migrant populations, continue to ignite localized violence.
- Porous Borders and Narco-Terrorism: The largely unfenced 1,643-km Indo-Myanmar border enables insurgent groups to secure safe sanctuaries, smuggle illicit arms, and traffic narcotics originating from the Golden Triangle, sustaining a lucrative parallel war economy.
- Impasse in Key Political Agreements: The 2015 Naga Framework Agreement remains stalled due to unresolved demands regarding a separate flag and constitution. In addition, hardline anti-talk factions like ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) reject negotiations and operate from sanctuaries outside Indian borders.
- External Spillovers: The 2021 military coup in Myanmar led to a significant influx of refugees (notably Chin communities into Mizoram and Manipur), exacerbating local demographic tensions and putting severe pressure on administration and resources.
Government Initiatives and Peace Accords
- Border Management and Security Measures:
- Suspension of Free Movement Regime (FMR): In 2024, the central government decided to scrap the 16-km FMR with Myanmar, proposing comprehensive border fencing and introducing biometric tracking to stem unauthorized crossings.
- AFSPA Rationalization: Significant improvements in security dynamics enabled the complete revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Tripura and Meghalaya, alongside substantial reductions in its territorial scope across Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.
- Developmental and Infrastructure Interventions:
- PM-DevINE: The Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region, a 100% centrally funded scheme with an outlay of ₹6,600 crore for 2022-26, targets critical infrastructure deficits and livelihood opportunities.
- Vibrant Villages Programme: Aims to comprehensively upgrade border settlements to arrest out-migration and establish a robust civilian line of deterrence.
- Recent Peace Accords and Cadre Rehabilitation:
- ULFA Pro-Talks (2023) and UNLF (2023) Accords: Facilitated the complete surrender of arms, designated time-bound rehabilitation packages for former cadres, and earmarked targeted financial outlays for regional socio-economic growth.
- Bodo Accord (2020): Addressed historical grievances by restructuring and expanding the legislative, administrative, and territorial ambit of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) under the Sixth Schedule.
Conclusion
Securing sustainable peace in the North-East necessitates transitioning from reactive security management to a holistic 'Security through Development' paradigm. Expediting the resolution of stalled talks such as the Naga peace process, deploying smart surveillance along international frontiers, and ensuring inclusive socio-economic integration are imperative to transform the region into a thriving gateway for India's Act East policy.