What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

Major Challenges to Internal Security and Peace Process in the North-Eastern States

The internal security landscape of the North-Eastern states is shaped by a confluence of historical, geographical, ethnic, and socio-economic factors. These challenges often intertwine, making the peace process particularly intricate.

• Insurgency and Armed Groups: The presence of numerous insurgent groups (e.g., NSCN factions, ULFA, NDFB, various Manipuri groups) demanding greater autonomy or secession continues to pose a significant threat. These groups engage in violence, extortion, and arms smuggling, undermining state authority and economic development.
• Ethnic Conflicts and Identity Politics: The region's rich ethnic diversity often leads to inter-community clashes over land, resources, political representation, and demands for separate administrative units or Scheduled Tribe status. The recent Meitei-Kuki clashes in Manipur (2023-24) exemplify the volatile nature of such conflicts, leading to widespread violence and displacement.
• Porous International Borders: Sharing extensive and often difficult terrain borders with countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and China facilitates cross-border movement of insurgents, arms trafficking, drug smuggling (proximity to the "Golden Triangle"), and illegal migration. This provides safe havens and external support for militant outfits.
• Developmental Deficits and Economic Marginalization: Lack of adequate infrastructure, limited job opportunities, and perceived economic exploitation create a sense of alienation among local populations, particularly the youth. This economic backwardness often acts as a fertile ground for recruitment by insurgent groups.
• Trust Deficit and Governance Issues: Delays in implementing past peace accords, perceived neglect by the central government, and allegations of corruption in governance contribute to a trust deficit between communities and the state. This can prolong unrest and make reconciliation difficult.
• Narcotics and Illicit Trade: The North-East's location near the 'Golden Triangle' makes it a transit point and often a hub for narcotics trafficking. This illicit trade often fuels insurgency and organized crime, providing financial resources to militant groups.
• Impact of AFSPA: While intended to maintain law and order, the continued imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in some areas has been a source of contention, raising concerns about human rights violations and fueling local resentment, sometimes hindering peace efforts.

Peace Accords and Agreements Initiated by the Government in the Past Decade (2014-2024)

The Indian government has intensified its efforts to resolve conflicts through dialogue, signing several peace accords and agreements aimed at bringing various insurgent groups into the mainstream and resolving long-standing disputes. The Ministry of Home Affairs reported that 12 important peace accords have been signed since 2019, leading to over 10,900 youth laying down arms.

Here’s a mapping of key peace accords and agreements:

Agreement Name	Year	States/Region Involved	Key Outcomes/Significance
ANVC Peace Accord	2014	Meghalaya	Memorandum of Settlement with Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) and ANVC/B, leading to the surrender of 751 cadres.
Framework Agreement with NSCN(IM)	2015	Nagaland	Signed to find a permanent solution to the Naga political issue, recognizing the unique history, culture, and position of the Nagas. Negotiations are ongoing.
NLFT (SD) Peace Agreement	2019	Tripura	Signed with the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-SD) faction, leading to 88 cadres surrendering. Aimed to end insurgency in Tripura and provide rehabilitation.
Bru Agreement (Reang Resettlement)	2020	Tripura, Mizoram	Historic agreement for the permanent settlement of over 37,000 displaced Bru (Reang) families in Tripura, resolving a 23-year-old refugee crisis with a financial package of approx. INR 661 crore.
Bodo Peace Accord	2020	Assam (Bodoland)	Tripartite agreement with Bodo groups (including all factions of NDFB) and the Assam government, leading to the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) with enhanced legislative and administrative powers. 1615 cadres of NDFB surrendered.
Karbi Anglong Agreement	2021	Assam (Karbi Anglong)	Memorandum of Settlement with five Karbi insurgent groups (KLNLF, PDCK, UPLA, KPLT, KLF), ending decades of violence and providing greater autonomy to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and a special development package of INR 1000 crore. Over 1000 armed cadres abjured violence.
Adivasi Peace Accord	2022	Assam	MoS signed with representatives of eight Adivasi groups, ending a decades-old crisis involving Adivasis and tea garden workers. 1,182 cadres joined the mainstream, and a special development package of INR 1000 crore was announced.
Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) Peace Agreement	2023	Assam (Dima Hasao)	Agreement with DNLA, leading to the group laying down arms and joining the mainstream. Central and state governments pledged INR 500 crore each for Dimasa tribal areas' development.
United National Liberation Front (UNLF) Peace Agreement	2023	Manipur	Peace agreement on Ground Rules signed with the UNLF, the oldest valley-based armed group in Manipur. UNLF agreed to renounce violence and abide by the Indian Constitution.
ULFA Peace Agreement	2023	Assam	Memorandum of Settlement with the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) faction, where the group agreed to abjure violence, surrender arms, disband, and join the democratic process. ULFA disbanded on January 23, 2024.
Agreement with TIPRA (Tipra Motha)	2024	Tripura	Tripartite agreement to amicably resolve issues of indigenous people of Tripura related to history, land, political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language. A Joint Working Group/Committee was constituted.