The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.

Historical and Ethnic Grievances

The seeds of insurgency were sown in the colonial era with the imposition of administrative boundaries that disregarded existing ethnic and tribal affiliations. Post-independence, the feeling of being marginalized and a lack of adequate representation in the political system fueled separatist sentiments.

• Naga Insurgency: The oldest insurgency, originating in the 1940s, demanding self-determination. The Naga National Council (NNC) and later the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) have been key players.
• Mizo Insurgency: The Mizo National Front (MNF) launched an insurgency in the 1960s, seeking secession from India. It eventually led to the creation of Mizoram as a state in 1987.
• Bodo Movement: The Bodo people, demanding a separate Bodoland state, have been involved in armed movements since the 1980s, leading to the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in 2020.

Socio-Economic Factors

Widespread poverty, unemployment, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare contribute significantly to the appeal of insurgent groups. These groups often exploit socio-economic grievances to recruit members and gain local support.

• Land Alienation: In many areas, indigenous communities feel threatened by the influx of migrants, leading to land alienation and resentment.
• Lack of Development: Remote areas often lack basic amenities, creating a sense of deprivation and fueling discontent.
• Unemployment: High rates of unemployment, particularly among youth, make them vulnerable to recruitment by insurgent groups offering financial incentives.

Cross-Border Issues and External Support

The North-East shares porous borders with several countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China. This facilitates the movement of insurgents, arms, and drugs. External support, though often indirect, plays a role in sustaining insurgency.

• Myanmar: Many insurgent groups, particularly those operating in Manipur and Nagaland, have training camps and safe havens in Myanmar.
• Bangladesh: Illegal immigration from Bangladesh and the presence of Rohingya refugees have created security challenges and provided a recruiting ground for insurgent groups.
• China: While direct support is debated, China’s growing influence in the region and its strategic interests raise concerns about potential support for insurgent groups.

Governance Failures and Political Issues

Weak governance, corruption, lack of accountability, and ineffective implementation of development programs exacerbate the problem of insurgency. A lack of genuine political dialogue and a failure to address the root causes of grievances contribute to the cycle of violence.

• Delayed Justice: Slow judicial processes and a lack of access to justice erode public trust in the state.
• Corruption: Corruption diverts resources intended for development, further marginalizing vulnerable communities.
• Ineffective Security Measures: Heavy-handed security operations can alienate local populations and inadvertently strengthen insurgent groups.

The Role of Drug Trafficking and Illegal Economy

The region has become a major transit route for drug trafficking, particularly heroin from the Golden Triangle. Insurgent groups often engage in drug trafficking to finance their activities, creating a nexus between insurgency and organized crime.