Master UPSC with Drishti's NCERT Course Learn More
This just in:

State PCS

Mains Practice Questions

  • Q. Analyse the factors contributing to insurgency in India’s North-Eastern states and assess the effectiveness of government interventions and peace accords in the past decade. (250 words)

    24 Sep, 2025 GS Paper 3 Internal Security

    Approach :

    • Provide a brief introduction to the issue of insurgency in India’s North-Eastern states.
    • Analyse the factors contributing to insurgency in India’s North-Eastern states.
    • Assess the effectiveness of government interventions and peace accords in the past decade.
    • Conclude with a suitable way forward.

    Introduction:

    India’s North-East, comprising eight states and sharing over 5,400 km of international borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, has historically been a hotspot of insurgency. Ethnic diversity, political alienation, and socio-economic neglect have fueled unrest. While the Ministry of Home Affairs reports an 80% decline in insurgency incidents between 2014 and 2023, underlying causes remain unresolved, making the issue a critical concern for internal security and national integration.

    Body:

    Factors Contributing to Insurgency :

    • Historical-Political Alienation:
      • Colonial-era policies of “excluded areas” created mistrust toward mainstream governance.
      • Post-independence, delayed political integration and arbitrary state boundaries fueled separatist aspirations (e.g., Naga independence demand, ULFA’s Assam sovereignty).
    • Ethnic Identity and Demographic Concerns:
      • Over 200 ethnic groups with distinct languages and traditions.
      • Fear of demographic dilution from migration, particularly from Bangladesh into Assam and Tripura, driving movements like the Assam Agitation (1979–85) and current NRC-CAA protests.
    • Socio-Economic Marginalisation:
      • North-East contributes only around 3% to India’s GDP despite its strategic location.
      • High unemployment among the youth population.
      • Perceptions of resource exploitation: crude oil in Assam and hydroelectric projects in Arunachal, with limited local benefits.
    • Geographical and External Factors:
      • Porous borders facilitate arms, narcotics, and insurgent movement.
      • Myanmar’s Sagaing region long served as a safe haven for Naga and Manipuri insurgents.
      • Chinese alleged support in the 1960s–70s to Naga groups still influences perceptions.
    • Governance Deficit and Security Concerns:
      • Excessive use of AFSPA (1958) created mistrust; allegations of human rights violations persist.
      • Weak institutions and corruption hinder grievance redressal.
      • Inter-ethnic tensions, like the 2023 Manipur conflict, highlight fragile governance mechanisms.

    Government Interventions and Peace Accords (2014–2024)

    • Peace Agreements:
      • Bodo Accord (2020): Created Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), greater autonomy, development funds.
      • Naga Framework Agreement (2015): Recognized Naga distinct identity; negotiations on flag/constitution unresolved.
      • Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021): Over 1,000 cadres laid down arms, with enhanced autonomy provisions.
    • Security Measures:
      • AFSPA was revoked from large parts of Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur (2022–23).
      • Intensified counter-insurgency operations, border fencing, and better coordination with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
    • Development and Connectivity Push:
      • Act East Policy linked the North-East to ASEAN markets.
      • North-East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and PM-DevINE targeted roads, healthcare, renewable energy.
      • Bogibeel Bridge, Dhola-Sadiya Bridge, and Kaladan Multi-Modal Project improved connectivity.
    • Institutional Mechanisms:
      • Strengthened North Eastern Council (NEC).
      • Enhanced devolution through Finance Commissions and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) allocations.

    Effectiveness:

    • Achievements:
      • Insurgency incidents reduced by 80%, civilian deaths fell by 90% between 2014–2023.
      • Over 9,000 militants surrendered in the last decade.
      • AFSPA rollback to many areas improved trust.
    • Limitations:
      • Naga issue unresolved; peace talks stalled on core demands.
      • Ethnic violence in Manipur (2023) revealed deep-rooted identity conflicts.
      • Overemphasis on security; development often uneven or delayed.
      • Border management remains weak; Golden Triangle drug trade rising.

    Conclusion:

    While accords and developmental pushes have shown results, sustainable peace requires addressing identity, governance, and livelihood concerns. A multi-pronged approach, political dialogue, economic empowerment, cultural recognition, and robust security cooperation, remains the only viable path to lasting peace in the North-East.

    To get PDF version, Please click on "Print PDF" button.

    Print PDF
close
Share Page
images-2
images-2