Point out the ethnic disparities in the N-E India.

Ethnic Diversity in North-East India

The North-Eastern states are broadly categorized based on dominant ethnic groups. These include:

• Indo-Aryan: Primarily found in Assam, with communities like the Assamese, Bengali, and Bishnupriya Manipuri.
• Tibeto-Burman: Dominant in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and parts of Manipur, encompassing groups like the Nyishi, Ao, Mizo, and Tangkhul.
• Austro-Asiatic: Predominantly in Meghalaya, with the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes.
• Tai-Kadai: Found in parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, including the Tai Ahom and Tai Khamyang.

Socio-Economic Disparities

Significant socio-economic disparities exist between different ethnic groups:

• Land Ownership: Traditional land ownership patterns often favor dominant tribes, leading to marginalization of smaller groups. For example, in Nagaland, land ownership is vested solely with the Naga tribes, creating challenges for non-Naga communities.
• Access to Education & Healthcare: Remote areas inhabited by smaller tribes often lack adequate educational and healthcare facilities. The literacy rate among tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh is lower compared to the state average (as per the 2011 Census).
• Employment Opportunities: Limited industrial development and a lack of skilled labor contribute to high unemployment rates, particularly among marginalized ethnic groups.
• Economic Development: Disparities in economic development are evident. While some communities have benefited from tourism and resource extraction, others remain largely dependent on subsistence agriculture.

Political Disparities

Political representation and power-sharing are key areas of disparity:

• Representation in Governance: Dominant tribes often have a disproportionate representation in state legislatures and administrative positions.
• Demand for Autonomous Councils: Several ethnic groups demand greater autonomy through the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) to protect their cultural identity and manage their affairs. The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Assam is an example.
• Inter-State Boundary Disputes: Disputes over territorial boundaries, often rooted in ethnic affiliations, contribute to tensions and conflicts between states like Assam and Nagaland.
• Illegal Immigration: Concerns over illegal immigration from neighboring countries, particularly Bangladesh, often fuel ethnic tensions and anxieties about demographic changes.

Cultural Disparities & Identity Issues

Cultural disparities and issues of identity play a significant role:

• Language Barriers: The multiplicity of languages and dialects creates communication challenges and hinders access to services.
• Preservation of Indigenous Culture: Smaller tribes struggle to preserve their unique cultural traditions and languages in the face of dominant cultural influences.
• Religious Differences: While the region is predominantly Christian, Hinduism and other religions are also practiced, sometimes leading to religious tensions.

State	Dominant Ethnic Group(s)	Key Disparities
Nagaland	Naga Tribes (Ao, Angami, Lotha etc.)	Land ownership, political dominance, limited opportunities for non-Naga communities.
Meghalaya	Khasi, Garo, Jaintia	Uneven development between hills and plains, matrilineal system challenges, access to resources.
Assam	Assamese, Bodo, Bengali	Ethnic tensions, land rights issues, illegal immigration concerns, Bodo movement for autonomy.