(There is enough covered on Security, Border issues, Immigration and Insurgency regarding North East in Sep and Oct Articles. Overview of some Developmental perspectives pertaining to NE Here)
Indias North East Development: Issues and Perspectives
1. Introduction
2. Basic Deficits
3. Development Initiatives
4. NEC
5. NLCPR
6. MoDONER
7. Development of trade and exports
8. International Funds for NER
9. Critical Areas Development under 12th FYP Development of trade and exports
10. Special Package for North-East Region During Twelfth Plan
11. Vision 2020
12. LEP
13. Introduction:
* Though the potential of NER is more, the development is much less compare to the rest of the region.
* The GoI took special care in addressing the other Autonomy, Insurgency, Extremists issues through its development initiatives.
* Developments got more progress after Administrative powers are envisaged under Schedule six and Part IX and Part IXA of the constitution in NER.
14. Basic Deficits of NER:
* The High-Level Commission appointed by the then Prime Minister in its report submitted in 1997 (India, 1997) has stated that there are four basic deficits confronting the North East:
1. Basic needs deficit;
2. Infrastructure deficit;
3. Resource deficit; and
4. Two-way deficit of understanding with the rest of the country.
.
1. Development Initiatives:
* GoI with supplementary development efforts of states in NER made several initiatives. They are:
1. North Eastern Council(NEC)
2. Non-Lapsable central pool of Resources(NLCPR)
3.Hill Area Development Program(HADP)
4. Border Area Development Program(BADP)
5. Special Central Assistance (SCA)
6. Special Plan Assistance(SPA)
7. Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF)
8. Setting up of Min of Development of North East Region (MoDONER)
1. North Eastern Council:
* Constituted in 1971 by an act of parliament- North Eastern Councils Act, 1917.
* Most important regional planning and advisory body of the central government.
* Consists of Governors and Chief ministers of the 8 states and three members nominated by the prime minister.
* Formulates and forwards proposals to Union, especially regarding the regional plan, efficient placement of land use activities and infrastructure across large area of land.
* Reviews and Recommends Projects/Schemes included in the regional plan and how they should be executed and managed.
* Reviews the progress of expenditure and recommends the Union on financial assistance for the implementation of the any project.
* Recommends State/Central on necessary surveys/investigations of the projects for the inclusion of new projects in the regional plan.
* Reviews measures taken by the states to maintain security and public order and recommends further necessary measured.
* The act amended in 2002 to include more functions under the council in implementation and coordination of schemes/Projects.
1. Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources(NLCPR):
* Created by GoI in 1998 to support infrastructure development projects in NER.
* The funds acquire from the unspent balance out of the mandatory provisions of 10% of Gross Budgetary support (GBS) made for NER from the budget of central ministries.
* Unutilized portions of funds earmarked by non-exempted ministries (From10% of GBS) surrendered at the close of every FY into NLCPR.
* MoDONER sanctions infra projects of NER out of those NLCPR funds as per priority of states and Backwardness.
1. Min of Development of North East Region (MoDONER):
* Created in 2001 and granted status in 2004 as full-fledged ministry.
* Purpose- Facilitate relations and works between central ministries, Departments and states of NER regard to economic development.
* Improves functions of Infra, Eco friendly Investments for sustainable peace and stability.
* Takes care of issues of Planning, Execution, Monitoring of Schemes/Projects.
* According to the Business Rules 1961, the NEC and NLCPR were included as subjects of DONER. Others follow.
2. Road Works financed by central as whole or part of NER.
3. Planning of Roads and Inland waterways transport.
4. HADP and BADP in NER.
5. North Eastern Development Finance Institution.
6. North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd.
7. The Sikkim Mining Corporation.
8. The North Eastern Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation.
1. Development of Trade and Exports in NER:
* PMs Action Plan for NE- Introduced in 2000 under Dept. of Commerce for Monitoring/Implementation of measures of Developmental of Trade&Exports.
* Monitoring/Implementations of the Recommendations of Task Force on Development of Border Trade and Inter-Country Trade from NER setup on the recommendations of Shukla Committee.
* The task force will have functions given below:
2. To deal with all matters relating to exports/imports from/to NE.
3. To promote exports from NER and esp. for boosting trade with neighboring countries.
4. To implement PMs Action Plan.
5. To service the empowered committee constituted under PMs Action Plan
6. To administer the export development fund for the NER.
1. International Funds for NE:
1. ADB: Asian Development Bank
North Eastern State Roads Project (NESRP)
* The objective of the Project proposal is to upgrade about 1,300 kilometers of roads, including the construction of 5,500 meters of bridges and construction of 4,700 meters of Causeway Irish crossings.
* An additional Technical Assistance has been mobilized by the Ministry from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which aims at building capacities of State PWDs by introducing (i) computer-based road asset management tools and (ii) state-of-the art project management techniques prior to the implementation of NESRP.
North Eastern Urban Development Project (NEUDP)
* The North Eastern Urban Development Project (NEUDP) (Phase-1) seeks to improve urban infrastructure in five capital cities viz. Agartala, Aizawl, Gangtok, Kohima and Shillong.
* The Asian Development Bank (ADB)s Technical Assistance for the North Eastern Urban Development Project (NEUDP) (Phase-II) covering Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar and Dibrugarh, is also scheduled.
North Eastern States Trade Investment Creation Initiative Project
* The Project seeks to develop a trade and investment framework that will enable North Eastern India to better position itself to participate in global and regional markets and to reap the considerable gains from specialization, agglomeration economies and globalization.
* A draft Report has been prepared and has been circulated to the States and Central Ministries for their comments.
* World Bank
Natural Resources, Water & Environment Nexus for Development and Growth
* The objective of the study is to develop a vision for the development and management of water and related natural resource/environmental issues in the Northeast for sustainable and equitable growth.
North East Region Livelihoods Project (NERLP)
* The Ministry have initiated discussions with the World Bank on the feasibility of a North-East Region Livelihoods Project (NERLP). The project proposal is based on the IFAD assisted NER Community Resource Management Project (NERCRMP) which has been successfully implemented in two district each of Meghalaya, Assam and Manipur.
* A Preliminary Project Report for NERLP was prepared by the Ministry in consultation with the Planning Commission and referred to the World Bank through DEA. The World Bank has since agreed to develop and assist in implementation of the proposed project. The World Bank has fielded a Mission in December, 2006 to carry out a preliminary assessment and develop the project.
1. Critical Areas Development under 12th FYP:
Roads1. EastWest Corridor (670 KM in Assam) by NHAI.2. All stretches of SARDP-NE connecting State Capitals/District Headquarters, (including NH-39 and NH-53 in Manipur, NH-31A in Sikkim).3. Strategic border roads,4. Trans-Arunachal Highway along with identified district connectivity.5. Roads connecting Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project,6. Important bridges include DholaSadia over Brahmaputra and all other crucial bridges on the major road projects.7. Four-lane highway from Tizit in the north to Dimapur via TuliJalukieKhelma (proposed by the State Government for survey in investigation and DPR preparation, and so on).
Railways1. Broad Gauge (line conversion)connecting GuwahatiDibrugharTinsukia, Rangia Murkongselek Bridge (rail-cum-road) across Brahmaputra at Bogibeel.2. BG route from New Moinaguri to Jogighopa.3. BG route from LumdingSilchar and KumarghatAgartalaSamboom.4. New lines: AgartalaAkhura, TeteliaByrnihat Shillong, HarmutiItanagar, SilcharJiribam Imphal (Tupul).
AirwaysMajor works for upgradation of airports are: Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Agartala, Shillong, Imphal and Dimapur; and New airports at Itanagar, Ceithu (Kohima), Pakyong (Gangtok). In addition, there are smaller airports, ALGs to be upgraded in Arunachal Pradesh.
Inland WaterwaysIWT development in the Brahmaputra and Barak National Waterway.
Power1. Long-term health of power sector seriously undermined (losses `70,000 crore per year). However, aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses are slowly coming down. State Governments must push distribution reform.2. Hydropower development seriously hindered by forest and environment clearance procedures. Need to look at special dispensation for these States, especially Arunachal Pradesh.3. A time-bound plan to operationalize development and evacuation of hydropower from NER required. Road connectivity an issue for expeditious project completion.4. Given limited connectivity of NER with other parts of the country (through Siliguri corridor), access through Bangladesh needs to be explored.5. Electricity tariffs not being revised to reflect rising costs. Regulators are being held back from allowing justified tariff increases.
Agriculture and Allied Sectors1. The growth has to be more rapid and inclusive; the focus has to be on better performance in agriculture, irrigation, drinking water health services, better education in the rural and remote areas, rural connectivity, improved deliverysystem and governance. Farm-based economic activitiesHorticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Poultry, and so on, have to be the prime drivers.2. Post-harvest management and marketing infrastructure required to be attended to by dovetailing of programmes/schemes between Central Ministries and the State Governments for filling up gaps in infrastructure.3. There has to be continued emphasis on creation of employment opportunities. During 11th plan, there is a general feeling of improvement in the security and law and order scenario. Efforts needed. The initiatives so far have created some momentum of development. This to be continued with all possible support from the Centre.
Water Management/Flood ModerationNorth East Water Resource Authority for flood moderation is pending for a long time. Erosion particularly in the Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley is a majorconcern expressed by the State of Assam in various forums. It has to be recognized as a national issue. There is no scheme to take care of the impact of large-scale erosion which is a recurring feature in the State. This needs to be attended seriously.
Education/Skill Development/Health 1. Focus on quality of education. Investment in teachers training and evaluation. Use distance education infrastructure for quick completion in the North-East.2. Social, gender and regional gaps in education need special attention. Special emphasis on capacity building and skill development with focus on curriculum is needed. State-specific approach for creation of opportunities for employment generation may be taken up. Reforms in vocational education to ensure employability in the changing market would help.3. Development and operationalization of PPP models in school and higher education and focus on increase in seats in medical colleges, nursing
Textile1. Major Schemes of Min Of Textiles Includes Handlooms(IHDS, Mill Gate Pricing Scheme etc), Power looms(TUST, TMTT,NIFT etc), Sericulture(CDP, HRD, Seed organization etc.,), Handicrafts(AHVY, Comprehensive welfare schemes, Design and technical Upgradation scheme etc.,), 2. New Schemes: i. Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme.ii. North Eastern Textile Promotion Scheme.iii Scheme for Usage of Geotextiles in North Eastern States.iv. Scheme for promoting Agro textiles in North East
1. Special Package for North-East Region During Twelfth Plan for tourism:
* The Min of Tourism extends financial assistance to the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations including the States of the North Eastern Region, for tourism related projects which are identified every year in consultation and interaction with them under the following schemes.
1. Product Infrastructure Development of Destinations/Circuits
2. Assistance to Large Revenue Generating Projects
3. Information Technology
4. Fairs/Festival and Events
* Specifically, media campaigns are launched to promote the entire NER.
* The Min of Tourism provides complimentary space to the North Eastern States in India pavilions set up at major international travel fairs & exhibitions.
* Further, In relaxation of CCS (LTC) Rules 1988, the GoI has decided to permit Government servants to travel by air to NER on LTC as follows:-
(i) Group A and Group B Central Government employees will be entitled to travel by Air from their place of posting or nearest airport to a city in the NER or nearest airport.
(ii) Other categories of employees will be entitled to travel by air to a city in the NER from Guwahati or Kolkata.
* All Central Government employees will be allowed conversion of one block of Home Town LTC into LTC for destinations in NER.
1. VISION 2020:
* Released in 2008, On implementation of the document 17 thematic Working Groups were constituted comprising various Ministries, state governments of NER and sectoral experts.
* Salient Features of the VISION 2020 Document Follow:
2. Improve Indices of development of the region to catch up with the rest of the region.
3. Structural transformation of economies of NE states by effecting significant changes in development strategies to achieve higher growth rates of GSDP to equal to national averages.
4. Poverty eradication based on participatory planning and with private sector participation for growth.
5. Maximizing self-Governance by building capacity of the people, Institutions and traditional/Local institutions to enable participation in growth process.
6. Harnessing available local resources for development.
7. Strengthening of infrastructure.
8. Expand Trade and commerce.
9. Effective governance for establishment and harmony.
1. Look East Policy on NER:
* promoting industrial development and investment in the Northeast and projecting the region as a potential driver of the LEP.
* With the growing realization of the urgency of the development of the Northeast and its strategic importance to further advance the objectives of the Look East policy, India has adopted a three-pronged approach of offering incentives, developing infrastructure, and marketing the asset.
* Thailand: Important sectors identified for Thai investment are agro-business and food processing industries, energy, communications, and tourism. Indias Northeast is very rich in these resource and, therefore, offers huge potential for local industrial development and economic growth.
* Agro-based and food processing sectors have been identified as one of the most important areas of Thai investment as the region offers immense opportunities in terms of raw-material for these industries and also in terms of an extremely large market to the Thai Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which are engaged in these industries.
* Connecting china with Thailand through road via NE
* China: Promotion of Border Trade at Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
* Bangladesh: Bus Service from Kolkata to Agartala via Dhaka; Access to Chittagong Port; Proper implementation of Water Transit and Trade(WTT)
* Myanmar: Implementation of Kadalan Multimodal Transit project; Regular trade status both the sides; Expanding Indo-Myanmar trade agreement; Banking systems with foreign exchange in borders; Construction of roads in Rhi-Tidim, Rhi-Falam.
(In the article I avoided numbers, Data = Less useful in the last Minutes)
END
(In case of any Wrong data, infos are deeply regretted. Correction and return intimation are welcomed.
Name: Marudavanan.S
References:
1. Vision 2020 Document/ MoDONER.
2. pib.nic.in.
3. 12th FYP.
Showing posts with label North East. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North East. Show all posts
Monday, January 13, 2014
PAPER IV -GENERAl STUDIES- III
PAPER IV -GENERAl STUDIES- III
TOPIC: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
India was partitioned in the backdrop of large communal riots.Since independence the internal stability is sporadically disturbed which is contributed by many factors. Indias internal security is manifestation of internal weakness and external attempts.
State actor can be defined as person/persons or entity who is acting on behalf of state. They are acting on behalf of government. These are appointed directly by state who represent on international platform.
Non-state actors are the entities that are not part of established government of the state. They are not directly employed by the state but have independent ideological existence or some times backed by state. They exercise sufficient power to bring about change in international relation of two or more state. Non-state actor act as proxy element generally employed by state. In case of unlawful activities or violation of international agreement they provide a degree of deniability to state. E.g:-
-NGO considered part of civil society in case of opposition at jaitapur project BY US NGO,
- MNC companies financial fraud in dumping to create instability in economics
-Armed group, Ethnic religious,State funded cyber attacksetc.
CONSTITUIONAL PROVISION FOR SAFEGAURDING INTERNAL SECURITY:
The seventh schedule of Indian constitution contains public order and police as state subject. Article 355 of the Constitution enjoins the Union to protect every State against external
aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of theConstitution.The responsibility of the internal security mainly rest with the union ministry of home affairs.Union government can issue directions to the state under Articles 257-258. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365. A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.
INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES:
If we divide the internal security challenges into following main groups, to include, Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast India, Left Wing Extremism and Terrorism in the Hinterland, creating public disorder and law and order problems through communal and secessionist tendency. Some of these challenges are direct manifestation of state across the border.The close linkages of the ISI and such groups are well documented as is their direct involvement in attacks like 26/11. These groups aim to not only create instability in states like J&K, they also have a larger aim of destabilising the country. This is done through sporadic terrorist strikes, which spreads terror and panic. This could also adversely affect the ability of the Indian state to pursue economic modernisation. The flooding of the country with counterfeits is also a way of weakening the economy.
South Asia comprises of seven independent states, with over one sixth of world's population and numerous ethnic, religious and linguistic groups is the theatre of ethnic and religions violence which is transnational in its nature and implications. The ethnic, religious and linguistic overlap has not only affected internal political developments in each state but also inter-state relationships.
The boundaries between neighbours are not natural both geographically and ethnically; therefore social tensions are bound to have a transborder impact. Traditional linkages of friendship and inter- action amongst people have become competing arrangements for aiding and abetting subversion, terrorism and insurgencies.
The regional geopolitical environment is likely to remain disturbed, which in conjunction with structural political and security confrontations within South Asia will continue to influence our internal security. Social tensions particularly in the ethnic and religious field due to its transborder character will continue to be the main areas of exploitation by our adversaries. Muslim fundamentalism and demographic influx are its major manifestations.
INDIA-PAKISTAN AND JAMMU KASHMIR INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENEGES:-
Indias open democratic system, judiciary and sociopolitical setting provides hostile agencies wide ranging opportunities to exploit contentious political issues and local tensions. . Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HUM), Lashker-e-Toiba (LET) and Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front ()have expanded their operations to Delhi, Maharashtra,Gujarat, U.P., Haryana and Punjab. ISI(state actors) agents have also cultivated transborder operators and couriers for smuggling of arms and explosives via Punjab, J & K, Rajasthan and Gujarat. It has also established espionage networks in different parts of the country. After Punjab and J&K, it has now intensified its activities in the North East exploiting local insurgencies.
ISI is increasingly targeting the minority community in the Southern states to subvert their loyalty, while Karnataka and Kerala have become prone to smuggling, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been targetted for subversion.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) facing challenges:
-affected by terrorist and secessionist
-violence, sponsored and supported from across
-penetrable border security
-discourage youth from joining the militancy group .
INDIA NEPAL BANGLADESH CREATING INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES :-
Indo Nepal and Indo Bangladesh borders is a design contrived by ISI with the help of sympathetic elements in Bangladesh to step up subversive activities in the North East. The muslim pockets have become the breeding ground for mafia, smugglers, gun running, hawala transactions. narco-trafficking, influx of fake Indian currency and terrorist activities
There is direct link between drug trafficking and terrorism. The Golden Crescent is a major source of heroine and hashish for the West, which is smuggled through the Indo-Pak border. The ISI has been using these established channels for smuggling of arms and explosives, which has provided terrorism greater teeth. In an interview to Washington Post (12 September 1994) Nawaz Sharif mentioned ISI plans to use drug money to support militancy.
The Golden triangle produces over 1000 tons of opium which is refined into very high grade heroin. Very little of it is seized in the North East due to ineffective surveillance and enforcement. A clear indicator of the likely illegal narcotic trade in the NorthEast is the high incidence of drug addition and abuse in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Similarly, open Indo-Nepal border is the main source of Hashish.
Money is then pushed through banking channels by way of gifts, donations and trade accounts. This also helps in tax evasion and is well manipulated by professional facilitators like chartered accountants, auditors, lawyers and traders. Since bulk of service sector (almost 50% of GNP) is prone to tax evasion, it facilitates laundering of black money.
INDIA CHINA AND CHALLENGES IN NORTH EAST:-
China is an important factor in Indias security perceptions and tempers its relationship with some of its neighbours. Chinese interests in the region have to be viewed in the long term perspective. After eliminating the historical and strategic buffer between India and China by annexation of Tibet, the Chinese resorted to giving financial aid, arms and sanctuaries to Naga, Mizo and Meitei extremists. This was followed by military encroachments culminating in the conflict in 1962.
China has shrewdly followed a policy of strategic containment of India by regional alliances and arming Indias neighboursMynamar, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Similarly, Indias technological and military mordernisation has been effectively counted by technological and weapons transfers to Pakistan in the nuclear and missile fields.
The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land.
The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the nottoo- friendly neighbours to pursue their own agenda. They are giving support and sanctuaries to many of these groups to use them as leverage against a much bigger and more powerful neighbor.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. But, it would be wrong to treat it as one homogeneous region with common problems, or social systems and customs. Even physiographic ally, the region can be divided into three broad areas hills, plateaus, and plains. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The terrain in this region is eminently suitable for insurgency. The hilly terrain and dense forests provide convenient hiding places to mount ambushes on the moving convoys of the security forces. Large parts of the interior areas have little or no police presence.
After attacking the security force they can easily disappear into the local population. Because of deprivation and alienation, a large section of the people tend to be sympathetic to the members of these groups. It is the alienation of the people that has sustained insurgency all these years, though logistic support and sanctuaries provided by the neighbouring states play a vital role in sustaining them.
LEFT WING EXTREMISIM:-
Although vestiges of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) Insurgency have been prevalent in certain
parts of India for a few decades now, the problem assumed serious proportions during the last decade or so. In terms of geographical spread, the worst affected States are Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar. The LWE problem also exists in certain pockets in the States of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Challenges created due to LWE
-Hindrances to development son inclusive regional growth cannot be achieved.
-Deployment of large security personal I these area. Large expenditure on arms, security personnal,large recruitment needed as shortage of personal, insurance schemes as human forces are reluctant to work, in situation of combat loss of priceless life.
-As CPI(M) is getting latest technicalities from across border they are modernizing themselves with new weapons, landmines and other equipment.
-The LWE groups are provided with arms, ammunition and sanctuaries across the border. These make border management serious task often penetrable areas are made safe zone to infiltrate.
-These activities are being funded through state entities.
CONCLUSION:-
Our security is vulnerable to threats, tensions and conflicts originating both from indigenous and exogenous sources. The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. They are all interlinked. At times, the required measures will conflict with each other.
NAME: SUMEET WAGH
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Website of ministry of home affairs.
2. Idsa.
3. C Raja mohan report and net digging.
TOPIC: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
India was partitioned in the backdrop of large communal riots.Since independence the internal stability is sporadically disturbed which is contributed by many factors. Indias internal security is manifestation of internal weakness and external attempts.
State actor can be defined as person/persons or entity who is acting on behalf of state. They are acting on behalf of government. These are appointed directly by state who represent on international platform.
Non-state actors are the entities that are not part of established government of the state. They are not directly employed by the state but have independent ideological existence or some times backed by state. They exercise sufficient power to bring about change in international relation of two or more state. Non-state actor act as proxy element generally employed by state. In case of unlawful activities or violation of international agreement they provide a degree of deniability to state. E.g:-
-NGO considered part of civil society in case of opposition at jaitapur project BY US NGO,
- MNC companies financial fraud in dumping to create instability in economics
-Armed group, Ethnic religious,State funded cyber attacksetc.
CONSTITUIONAL PROVISION FOR SAFEGAURDING INTERNAL SECURITY:
The seventh schedule of Indian constitution contains public order and police as state subject. Article 355 of the Constitution enjoins the Union to protect every State against external
aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of theConstitution.The responsibility of the internal security mainly rest with the union ministry of home affairs.Union government can issue directions to the state under Articles 257-258. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365. A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.
INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES:
If we divide the internal security challenges into following main groups, to include, Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast India, Left Wing Extremism and Terrorism in the Hinterland, creating public disorder and law and order problems through communal and secessionist tendency. Some of these challenges are direct manifestation of state across the border.The close linkages of the ISI and such groups are well documented as is their direct involvement in attacks like 26/11. These groups aim to not only create instability in states like J&K, they also have a larger aim of destabilising the country. This is done through sporadic terrorist strikes, which spreads terror and panic. This could also adversely affect the ability of the Indian state to pursue economic modernisation. The flooding of the country with counterfeits is also a way of weakening the economy.
South Asia comprises of seven independent states, with over one sixth of world's population and numerous ethnic, religious and linguistic groups is the theatre of ethnic and religions violence which is transnational in its nature and implications. The ethnic, religious and linguistic overlap has not only affected internal political developments in each state but also inter-state relationships.
The boundaries between neighbours are not natural both geographically and ethnically; therefore social tensions are bound to have a transborder impact. Traditional linkages of friendship and inter- action amongst people have become competing arrangements for aiding and abetting subversion, terrorism and insurgencies.
The regional geopolitical environment is likely to remain disturbed, which in conjunction with structural political and security confrontations within South Asia will continue to influence our internal security. Social tensions particularly in the ethnic and religious field due to its transborder character will continue to be the main areas of exploitation by our adversaries. Muslim fundamentalism and demographic influx are its major manifestations.
INDIA-PAKISTAN AND JAMMU KASHMIR INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENEGES:-
Indias open democratic system, judiciary and sociopolitical setting provides hostile agencies wide ranging opportunities to exploit contentious political issues and local tensions. . Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HUM), Lashker-e-Toiba (LET) and Jammu and Kashmir Islamic Front ()have expanded their operations to Delhi, Maharashtra,Gujarat, U.P., Haryana and Punjab. ISI(state actors) agents have also cultivated transborder operators and couriers for smuggling of arms and explosives via Punjab, J & K, Rajasthan and Gujarat. It has also established espionage networks in different parts of the country. After Punjab and J&K, it has now intensified its activities in the North East exploiting local insurgencies.
ISI is increasingly targeting the minority community in the Southern states to subvert their loyalty, while Karnataka and Kerala have become prone to smuggling, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have been targetted for subversion.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) facing challenges:
-affected by terrorist and secessionist
-violence, sponsored and supported from across
-penetrable border security
-discourage youth from joining the militancy group .
INDIA NEPAL BANGLADESH CREATING INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES :-
Indo Nepal and Indo Bangladesh borders is a design contrived by ISI with the help of sympathetic elements in Bangladesh to step up subversive activities in the North East. The muslim pockets have become the breeding ground for mafia, smugglers, gun running, hawala transactions. narco-trafficking, influx of fake Indian currency and terrorist activities
There is direct link between drug trafficking and terrorism. The Golden Crescent is a major source of heroine and hashish for the West, which is smuggled through the Indo-Pak border. The ISI has been using these established channels for smuggling of arms and explosives, which has provided terrorism greater teeth. In an interview to Washington Post (12 September 1994) Nawaz Sharif mentioned ISI plans to use drug money to support militancy.
The Golden triangle produces over 1000 tons of opium which is refined into very high grade heroin. Very little of it is seized in the North East due to ineffective surveillance and enforcement. A clear indicator of the likely illegal narcotic trade in the NorthEast is the high incidence of drug addition and abuse in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Similarly, open Indo-Nepal border is the main source of Hashish.
Money is then pushed through banking channels by way of gifts, donations and trade accounts. This also helps in tax evasion and is well manipulated by professional facilitators like chartered accountants, auditors, lawyers and traders. Since bulk of service sector (almost 50% of GNP) is prone to tax evasion, it facilitates laundering of black money.
INDIA CHINA AND CHALLENGES IN NORTH EAST:-
China is an important factor in Indias security perceptions and tempers its relationship with some of its neighbours. Chinese interests in the region have to be viewed in the long term perspective. After eliminating the historical and strategic buffer between India and China by annexation of Tibet, the Chinese resorted to giving financial aid, arms and sanctuaries to Naga, Mizo and Meitei extremists. This was followed by military encroachments culminating in the conflict in 1962.
China has shrewdly followed a policy of strategic containment of India by regional alliances and arming Indias neighboursMynamar, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Similarly, Indias technological and military mordernisation has been effectively counted by technological and weapons transfers to Pakistan in the nuclear and missile fields.
The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land.
The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the nottoo- friendly neighbours to pursue their own agenda. They are giving support and sanctuaries to many of these groups to use them as leverage against a much bigger and more powerful neighbor.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. But, it would be wrong to treat it as one homogeneous region with common problems, or social systems and customs. Even physiographic ally, the region can be divided into three broad areas hills, plateaus, and plains. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The terrain in this region is eminently suitable for insurgency. The hilly terrain and dense forests provide convenient hiding places to mount ambushes on the moving convoys of the security forces. Large parts of the interior areas have little or no police presence.
After attacking the security force they can easily disappear into the local population. Because of deprivation and alienation, a large section of the people tend to be sympathetic to the members of these groups. It is the alienation of the people that has sustained insurgency all these years, though logistic support and sanctuaries provided by the neighbouring states play a vital role in sustaining them.
LEFT WING EXTREMISIM:-
Although vestiges of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) Insurgency have been prevalent in certain
parts of India for a few decades now, the problem assumed serious proportions during the last decade or so. In terms of geographical spread, the worst affected States are Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar. The LWE problem also exists in certain pockets in the States of Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Challenges created due to LWE
-Hindrances to development son inclusive regional growth cannot be achieved.
-Deployment of large security personal I these area. Large expenditure on arms, security personnal,large recruitment needed as shortage of personal, insurance schemes as human forces are reluctant to work, in situation of combat loss of priceless life.
-As CPI(M) is getting latest technicalities from across border they are modernizing themselves with new weapons, landmines and other equipment.
-The LWE groups are provided with arms, ammunition and sanctuaries across the border. These make border management serious task often penetrable areas are made safe zone to infiltrate.
-These activities are being funded through state entities.
CONCLUSION:-
Our security is vulnerable to threats, tensions and conflicts originating both from indigenous and exogenous sources. The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. They are all interlinked. At times, the required measures will conflict with each other.
NAME: SUMEET WAGH
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Website of ministry of home affairs.
2. Idsa.
3. C Raja mohan report and net digging.
Issues and Concerns in Tackling Internal Security
The foremost concern to-day is Internal Security. All the governmental machinery must jointly find solutions to deal with the obstacles in ensuring security. As the country confronts a wide array of complex internal security threats. Each of these needs to be dealt with in different ways.
Increasingly also, they call up a closer cooperation between the Centre and the States.
Since this problem is no longer confined to a single state but encompasses several states, Integrated functioning in a federal set up such as ours, where law and order is a state subject, It is not easy but we must find ways and means to deal with this situation and rethink some of our past practices.
* Accessing The Situation
In order to deal with this issue, the main stress has to be on---
* Capacity Building and Upgrading the Capability Level of the states (as also that of the Centre).Capacity building at the state level is most crucial, and if there are any financial constraints, the Centre should be willing to provide necessary assistance. It is an urgent need to improve the number of security personnel to tackle this as without effective law and order socio-economic development would be next to impossible.
* More attention is needed to improve the 'Technical Hindrances' for the maintenance of law and order and peace.
This means improving intelligence generation and collection, as also the overall strengthening of IT Mechanism.
* Analytical capabilities need to be enhanced. Proper benchmarks need to be established against which progress and performance can be measured. The development in the North East and Jammu & Kashmir also needs to be reviewed. The Chief Ministers of the North- Eastern states and J&K shall recognize a fundamental reality, namely that in dealing with problems of peripheral states and societies. We need to be especially sensitive to the nuances of each situation and the encyclopaedic character of regional and tribal demands which if not anticipated and dealt with in time, could culminate in a full-fledged militancy. States like Manipur and Nagaland in the North East appear especially vulnerable today. There is little scope for personal predilections that override national considerations and requirements. The same can be said of J&K. Even though the situation has shown signs of improvements these past two years. We should remain on our guard in view of continuing efforts by anti-India and anti-national elements to whip-up emotions and transform these into a violent movement.
* Naxalite Movement
* The approach to the Naxalite problem needs a blend of firm, but sophisticated, handling of naxalite violence with sensitive handling of the developmental aspects. It is in the most neglected areas of the country that Left wing extremism thrives today. These are also the main recruiting, grounds for naxalite outfits. While Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh are in the forefront of naxal related activities today, many other states remain vulnerable. Authorities must personally take in hand what deliverables are possible even while preparing to meet naxalite violence through effective law & order measures.
* The real key in the fighting naxalite violence is the presence of Good Intelligence. This would involve effective integration of strategic and tactical intelligence, properly leavened with ground level information available at the level of the Police Stations. The Police is the first responder in naxal-related situations, and is a very important pole in this entire effort sensitizing the Police is therefore a critical requirement.
* Special training for Forces engaged in naxalite operations is equally important. Andhra Pradesh has an excellent training establishment for anti-naxalite operations.
* An 'Empowered Group' of Ministers is constituted headed by the Home Minister, which include selected Chief Ministers, to closely monitor the spread of the naxal movement. The Group could meet at frequent intervals and review special measures that need to be taken, nature of assistance, to be provided in order to facilitate furtherexchange of personnel between States.
* Terrorism
* Concern about the increasing activities of externally-inspired-and directed-terrorist outfits in the country is justified. Intelligence Agencies warn of a further intensification of violent activities on their part, with the possibility of more 'fidayeen' attacks; use of suicide bombers; attacks on economic and religious targets; targeting of vital installations, including nuclear establishments, Army Camps; and the like. Reports also suggest that terrorist modules and 'sleeper cells' exist in some of our urban areas, all of which highlight the seriousness of the threat.
* These are serious matters and we must find ways and means to deal with these decentralised micro-terrorist outfits. This will necessitate greater alertness on the part of the States and Local Intelligence Units, as, also the Police who possess a local advantage.
* Unless the 'best constable' is brought into the vortex of our counter-terrorist strategy, our capacity to pre-empt future attacks would be severely limited.
* In the battle against terrorism, the role of the public becomes more vital. A major effort is necessary on our part to sensitise the public into becoming allies in this war and persuade some of them to function as counter-terrorist 'wardens' who would report on any kind of unusual activity.
* Similarly, co-opting the Media and getting them to play more positive role would be useful and this should form part of an overall Media Management Strategy. None of this will, however, take place without your personal direction and involvement.
* The responsibility to ensure that this does not happen lies squarely upon all of us. It is unfortunate that terrorism has resulted in certain sections of our populations being targeted, with the result that a wrong impression has been created on the radicalization of the entire specific community. It is, hence, imperative that we embark immediately upon a proactive policy to ensure that a few individual acts do not result in tarnishing the image of an entire community and remove any feelings of persecution and alienation from the minds of targets.
* All religions recognize the existence of certain 'sacred values'. We should seek to highlight the commonality of such 'sacred values' and campaign against pernicious ideas and philosophies such as the "clash of civilizations. Instead we should propagate the idea of a 'confluence of civilizations'.
* 'Sacred values' are the ideals which are transcendental in nature. We should encourage sober elements in all communities to agree to a proper articulation of 'sacred values' for dissemination among people. Both education and the mass media must be actively encouraged to promote, this integrated vision.
In dealing with terrorism, scrupulous regard and respect for fundamental human rights of citizens, particularly of communities, ought to be a core concern of our law enforcement agencies. No innocent person should be harassed in our struggle against terrorism. If a mistake is made, effective remedial corrective measures must be taken well within time constraints. Government agencies, particularly law enforcement agencies must establish intimate contacts with community leaders and show adequate sensitivity to their concerns.
So the responsibility lies not only the government but the people by themselves must come forward in order to eradicate this nuisance of not only the Terrorism but also of the Terror.
Ankur Sachan
Increasingly also, they call up a closer cooperation between the Centre and the States.
Since this problem is no longer confined to a single state but encompasses several states, Integrated functioning in a federal set up such as ours, where law and order is a state subject, It is not easy but we must find ways and means to deal with this situation and rethink some of our past practices.
* Accessing The Situation
In order to deal with this issue, the main stress has to be on---
* Capacity Building and Upgrading the Capability Level of the states (as also that of the Centre).Capacity building at the state level is most crucial, and if there are any financial constraints, the Centre should be willing to provide necessary assistance. It is an urgent need to improve the number of security personnel to tackle this as without effective law and order socio-economic development would be next to impossible.
* More attention is needed to improve the 'Technical Hindrances' for the maintenance of law and order and peace.
This means improving intelligence generation and collection, as also the overall strengthening of IT Mechanism.
* Analytical capabilities need to be enhanced. Proper benchmarks need to be established against which progress and performance can be measured. The development in the North East and Jammu & Kashmir also needs to be reviewed. The Chief Ministers of the North- Eastern states and J&K shall recognize a fundamental reality, namely that in dealing with problems of peripheral states and societies. We need to be especially sensitive to the nuances of each situation and the encyclopaedic character of regional and tribal demands which if not anticipated and dealt with in time, could culminate in a full-fledged militancy. States like Manipur and Nagaland in the North East appear especially vulnerable today. There is little scope for personal predilections that override national considerations and requirements. The same can be said of J&K. Even though the situation has shown signs of improvements these past two years. We should remain on our guard in view of continuing efforts by anti-India and anti-national elements to whip-up emotions and transform these into a violent movement.
* Naxalite Movement
* The approach to the Naxalite problem needs a blend of firm, but sophisticated, handling of naxalite violence with sensitive handling of the developmental aspects. It is in the most neglected areas of the country that Left wing extremism thrives today. These are also the main recruiting, grounds for naxalite outfits. While Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh are in the forefront of naxal related activities today, many other states remain vulnerable. Authorities must personally take in hand what deliverables are possible even while preparing to meet naxalite violence through effective law & order measures.
* The real key in the fighting naxalite violence is the presence of Good Intelligence. This would involve effective integration of strategic and tactical intelligence, properly leavened with ground level information available at the level of the Police Stations. The Police is the first responder in naxal-related situations, and is a very important pole in this entire effort sensitizing the Police is therefore a critical requirement.
* Special training for Forces engaged in naxalite operations is equally important. Andhra Pradesh has an excellent training establishment for anti-naxalite operations.
* An 'Empowered Group' of Ministers is constituted headed by the Home Minister, which include selected Chief Ministers, to closely monitor the spread of the naxal movement. The Group could meet at frequent intervals and review special measures that need to be taken, nature of assistance, to be provided in order to facilitate furtherexchange of personnel between States.
* Terrorism
* Concern about the increasing activities of externally-inspired-and directed-terrorist outfits in the country is justified. Intelligence Agencies warn of a further intensification of violent activities on their part, with the possibility of more 'fidayeen' attacks; use of suicide bombers; attacks on economic and religious targets; targeting of vital installations, including nuclear establishments, Army Camps; and the like. Reports also suggest that terrorist modules and 'sleeper cells' exist in some of our urban areas, all of which highlight the seriousness of the threat.
* These are serious matters and we must find ways and means to deal with these decentralised micro-terrorist outfits. This will necessitate greater alertness on the part of the States and Local Intelligence Units, as, also the Police who possess a local advantage.
* Unless the 'best constable' is brought into the vortex of our counter-terrorist strategy, our capacity to pre-empt future attacks would be severely limited.
* In the battle against terrorism, the role of the public becomes more vital. A major effort is necessary on our part to sensitise the public into becoming allies in this war and persuade some of them to function as counter-terrorist 'wardens' who would report on any kind of unusual activity.
* Similarly, co-opting the Media and getting them to play more positive role would be useful and this should form part of an overall Media Management Strategy. None of this will, however, take place without your personal direction and involvement.
* The responsibility to ensure that this does not happen lies squarely upon all of us. It is unfortunate that terrorism has resulted in certain sections of our populations being targeted, with the result that a wrong impression has been created on the radicalization of the entire specific community. It is, hence, imperative that we embark immediately upon a proactive policy to ensure that a few individual acts do not result in tarnishing the image of an entire community and remove any feelings of persecution and alienation from the minds of targets.
* All religions recognize the existence of certain 'sacred values'. We should seek to highlight the commonality of such 'sacred values' and campaign against pernicious ideas and philosophies such as the "clash of civilizations. Instead we should propagate the idea of a 'confluence of civilizations'.
* 'Sacred values' are the ideals which are transcendental in nature. We should encourage sober elements in all communities to agree to a proper articulation of 'sacred values' for dissemination among people. Both education and the mass media must be actively encouraged to promote, this integrated vision.
In dealing with terrorism, scrupulous regard and respect for fundamental human rights of citizens, particularly of communities, ought to be a core concern of our law enforcement agencies. No innocent person should be harassed in our struggle against terrorism. If a mistake is made, effective remedial corrective measures must be taken well within time constraints. Government agencies, particularly law enforcement agencies must establish intimate contacts with community leaders and show adequate sensitivity to their concerns.
So the responsibility lies not only the government but the people by themselves must come forward in order to eradicate this nuisance of not only the Terrorism but also of the Terror.
Ankur Sachan
Indias internal security challenges
In the Arthashastra, Kautilya wrote that a state could be at risk from four types of threats - internal, external, externally-aided internal and internally-aided external. He advised that of these four types, internal threats should be taken care of immediately, for internal troubles, like the fear of the lurking snake, are far more serious than external threats. The most dangerous enemy is the enemy within.
Kautilyas teachings on internal security and his skilful expression of the warp and weft of internal and external security has great relevance in the globalised 21st century. Destabilising a country through internal disturbances is more economical and less objectionable, particularly when direct warfare is not an option and international borders cannot be violated. External adversaries, particularly the weaker ones, find it easier to create and aid forces which cause internal unrest and instability.
Itis very surprising to note that the country which freed itself from the clutches of its colonial masters by following the path of ahimsa is now every other day making headlines for violent fiery rage of its countrymen. India is hindered from its progressive path by various challenges that is threatening its internal security. Naxalism/ Maoist insurgency, secessionist tendencies, communalism, ethnic clashes, religious intolerance, misogynist attitudes etc are some of them.
Naxalism
Naxalism is today Indias most serious threat to itself. It has affected nearly 9 states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and west Bengal encompassing the eastern region of the country from north to south, commonly called as the red corridor. Left wing extremism was prevalent decades ago since 1960s and 70s. Sheer neglect and ignorance led to compounding of the problem making it the biggest concern for development.
In 2004, peoples war group(PWG) then operating in Andhra Pradesh and Maoist communist centre of India(MCCI) then operating in Bihar and adjoining areas combined to form the CPI(M)- Communist Party of India(Maoist). This amalgamation strengthened their ideologies to their advantage. CPI (M) is the major left wing extremist outfit responsible for majority of the violent incident and killing of civilians and security forces and has been included in the schedule of terrorist organisations under the unlawful activities (prevention) act, 1967.
The LWE signifies the fact that the country is at war with itself. The extremists philosophy of armed struggle to overthrow the state government is against the principles of parliamentary democracy. The LWE are sceptical of the capitalist initiatives, having lost faith in the governmental set up, root for the rule of the proletariat class. Government has called them to end violence and come for peace talks. However this plea was rejected as they believe in violence to achieve their objectives. This has resulted in bloodshed and terroristic activities in many parts of the country. The innocent village men, security forces and tribal people are facing the brunt of such bloodshed.
The extremists (agitating people) are people who have lost their homes, forests, fodder, lands, frustrated unemployed people, devoid of the fruits of development. They have lost their means of livelihood due to land acquisition, alienation, and monopolistic policy decisions of the state. Economic disparity has been the main cause for the rise of extremism rather than the ideological basis. Their exploitation has been further severed by the lackadaisical attitudes of the bureaucrats, inefficient administrative setup, lack of delivery mechanisms and grievance redressal measures. However any displeasure cannot be justified with violence and killings.
Government has initiated various measures to tackle such insurgencies such as creation of specially trained police forces like grey hounds, CoBRA etc, fortification of all the police stations in the affected LWE districts, modern armouries and specialised training to improve the defence capabilities of security forces.
Most of the LWE affected districts are backward and poor on various human development indicators. Realising this importance, government has also started social welfare programmes like Integrated action plan (IAP), special infrastructure scheme (SIS), Security related expenditure (SRE) scheme, Backward regions grant fund (BRGF) etc.. Such schemes are aimed at altering the critical infrastructure gaps and provide the necessities for construction of School Buildings, Anganwadi Centres, Drinking Water Facilities, Rural Roads, Panchayats Bhawans, PDS shops, skill trainings, Minor Irrigation Works, Electric Lighting, Health Centres, construction of Toilets, construction of passenger waiting hall, construction of ANM Centres, development of play grounds etc.
Secessionists interests
In addition, there are many secessionist interests and the so called revolutionary movements operating in the country today. Their goal could be to overthrow the government and bring about revolutionary changes in the structure and functioning of the state, or even secession from the Indian Union. Ever since independence, India has been facing all types of violent conflicts based on religion, caste, language, ethnicity and regional loyalties. Political insecurity further compounds the problem.
The Naga leadership under Z.A. Phizo had challenged their integration into the Indian Union even before India became independent in 1947. The Naga insurgency started way back in the early 1950s. Since then the insurgencies in this region have multiplied and spread to many new areas. Some seek secession from the Indian Union, some others seek separate states and yet others greater autonomy within the existing state.
The number of such insurgent groups could reach three-digit figures. In Manipur alone, more than twenty-five groups are operating. In Assam, the demands for bodoland have shunned the economic life of the region and have led to the creation of many militant groups like ULFA. Thousands have died in the insurgency-related violence.
Preoccupied with the problem of survival, the state governments in some of the most affected states are not looking at the problem from a long-term perspective. They have bought temporary peace by compromising with the subversive forces. Such short-sighted policies can have disastrous consequences in the long run. It is not surprising that in some parts of the state, the local men and police forces have joined hands with the subversive.
Finding themselves at the mercy of these subversive forces, the people tend to change sides and start supporting them instead of supporting the security forces. It would be wrong to assume that all those supporting, directly or indirectly, these forces are sympathetic to their ideology. Far from it! For most of them, preoccupied with the daily battle of survival, this is the obvious choice, because the police are unable to protect them.
The whole developmental process is seriously hampered because of this unending violence. The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the anti national elements to pursue their own agenda.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The politician-police-criminal nexus has further emboldened the criminal elements. This creates a situation of lawlessness, where the rich and powerful violate the law with impunity. The police system is not the only department that is suffering but the entire justice system is strained. Not all cases are registered, and if registered there are not properly investigated, out of those very few are charge sheeted resulting in almost very low levels of conviction rates. In some north eastern state, the police have stopped submitting charge sheets in insurgency related cases.
When the fear of legal punishment disappears, organised crime makes its way. Money power, extortion and the so called protection money become more widespread. Many of the insurgent and militant groups are not driven by ideology, but by sheer greed. Money power is a bigger motivating factor than ideology. This mutually beneficial relationship has seriously damaged the quality of governance in the interior areas.
The real losers are the people. The development process gets seriously hampered in a violent environment. The deprived and the marginalised sections of the society, unable to survive in the present system, get alienated. The militant and extremist forces thrive in this environment. The rise of Left extremism and insurgents is more due to these compulsions than on ideological grounds.
Communal tensions
The rise of armed senas based on ethnic and caste lines in some parts of the country has led to the polarisation of the society. Loss of public confidence on the state and police to protect life and property has further strengthened their interests. Their attacks on religious lines have created a sense of insecurity among the people. Far from controlling them, some partisan political groups and police have encouraged their development.
Political high lords have always utilised the minority groups as vote banks, playing the communal card to their advantage, supporting their cause and cry, every time the elections makes it to the corner. This utilisation of the citizenry by dividing them on the communal basis is not new. The legacy of the British has still not left the country. Polarisation on caste and religious lines can further reduce the credibility of the democracy in the minds of the people.
Ethnic, communal, linguistic and sectarian clashes have shadowed the basic principle of common brotherhood enshrined in our constitution. The principle of vasudaiva kutumbam( the world is our family) has remained always in books and papers. The lack of faith and trust among fellow citizens has led to their exploitation by various section of society for personal greed and aggrandizement.
The rise of fundamentalist forces is posing the most serious threat to Indias security. Fired with religious zeal these forces have created an entirely new situation. These bands of fanatics are not only indulging in subversive activities, but are spreading the virus of fundamentalism. The break-up of the Indian Union continues to be their main goal. Easy availability of deadly weapons with the subversive groups operating in India has created new dangers for Indias security.
Other forms of violence
With the Golden Crescent, and the Golden Triangle in Indias neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses yet another threat to our security. Drug syndicates are generating huge funds, a part of which is being used to give financial support to criminal activities in the country. Drug trafficking and adulteration have been used by many to create a panic situation in the country.
Low levels of tolerance has diseased the democracy to the deepest level. It is now enough for just a film or a clipping or a song or even just a facebook/twitter post or for that matter just a word/sentence to hurt the sentiments of the people and create outrage. Participative democracy has been tethered to its pieces with such growing levels of impatience and intolerance.
In public perception a government that is unable to discharge all its responsibilities is more likely to respond when the demand is loud, organised and backed by acts of violence. It is even easier to create a mob and clashes and undermine the process of governance. So subtle and fragile is the security situation in the country. It has become very easy and simple to take up arms and wage a war and more and more difficult to keep calm and promote peace. Any amount of force will not deter this rage. It is only our determined and concerted effort to avoid becoming a pawn in some masters game will keep up the credibility of democratic governance.
It is very alarming to observe the number of juveniles involved in serious crimes. More and more delinquents have been convicted under the juvenile justice act (care and protection), 2000. Distorted minds are an indication of poor levels of education, illiteracy and disturbed childhood. It is very essential to catch them young, reform and rehabilitate their future.
Misogynist attitudes and patriarchal ways have demeaned the stature of women in society. Progress towards social emancipation of women in society has not achieved the desired outcome. The societal balance has been disturbed. Our skewed sex ratio of 940 females to 1000 males bears a testament to heinous crimes against women like female foeticide, female infanticide, abortions, acid attacks, molestation, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, murder etc
Conclusion
Effective steps to reduce ethnic and social inequalities, disparities in educational and employment opportunities and for creating effective machinery for the redressal of public grievance are essential to prevent extremists violence. Steps to reduce economic deprivation and improve the delivery of essential services can erode the base of public support on which the extremist movements survive.
Lack of police reforms is fracturing the autonomy, accountability and responsiveness of the system. The Supreme Court directive in 2006 put forth guidelines to the states to improve the functioning of the police. However they have not been implemented as yet in many states. Use of ICT to develop modern techniques of investigation, forensics should be made available. Fortification of the police stations with well equipped machinery like CCTV cameras, bomb detectors, rifles, pistols etc should make its way into the system. Gender sensitization is of utmost importance given the increasing crimes on women.
The need for a well co-ordinated security apparatus cannot be undermined. A well structured machinery involving the army, paramilitary, intelligence, central forces and state police should be managed in every state. A composite force like that of NSG should be stationed in every state to meet the unforeseen violent strikes.
Special training on mob handling and criminal psychology should be provided. There is a need to make the forces more professional and improving their quality rather than emphasizing on the number of men. Standard operating procedures should be laid down with ample scope to exercise discretion to balance autonomy with accountability.
Centre is duty bound to intervene, if the security challenges are beyond the control of the state, as laid down in the constitution. The primary responsibility of maintain the law and order is with the state government as mentioned in the state list, but art 353 the union government is charged with the responsibility to protect the state government from internal disturbances. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365.
A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.But, even if the Centre decides to intervene, the states role cannot be minimised. The many internal security challenges can be met effectively only with full cooperation between the central and the state governments.
The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. The security requirements have to be met, but that does not mean giving the security agencies a free hand. Striking the right balance is the key to success in meeting these challenges effectively.
Shaik Shabana
Sources
www.moha.gov.in
www.indiastrategic.in
www.idsa.in
www.claws.in
Kautilyas teachings on internal security and his skilful expression of the warp and weft of internal and external security has great relevance in the globalised 21st century. Destabilising a country through internal disturbances is more economical and less objectionable, particularly when direct warfare is not an option and international borders cannot be violated. External adversaries, particularly the weaker ones, find it easier to create and aid forces which cause internal unrest and instability.
Itis very surprising to note that the country which freed itself from the clutches of its colonial masters by following the path of ahimsa is now every other day making headlines for violent fiery rage of its countrymen. India is hindered from its progressive path by various challenges that is threatening its internal security. Naxalism/ Maoist insurgency, secessionist tendencies, communalism, ethnic clashes, religious intolerance, misogynist attitudes etc are some of them.
Naxalism
Naxalism is today Indias most serious threat to itself. It has affected nearly 9 states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and west Bengal encompassing the eastern region of the country from north to south, commonly called as the red corridor. Left wing extremism was prevalent decades ago since 1960s and 70s. Sheer neglect and ignorance led to compounding of the problem making it the biggest concern for development.
In 2004, peoples war group(PWG) then operating in Andhra Pradesh and Maoist communist centre of India(MCCI) then operating in Bihar and adjoining areas combined to form the CPI(M)- Communist Party of India(Maoist). This amalgamation strengthened their ideologies to their advantage. CPI (M) is the major left wing extremist outfit responsible for majority of the violent incident and killing of civilians and security forces and has been included in the schedule of terrorist organisations under the unlawful activities (prevention) act, 1967.
The LWE signifies the fact that the country is at war with itself. The extremists philosophy of armed struggle to overthrow the state government is against the principles of parliamentary democracy. The LWE are sceptical of the capitalist initiatives, having lost faith in the governmental set up, root for the rule of the proletariat class. Government has called them to end violence and come for peace talks. However this plea was rejected as they believe in violence to achieve their objectives. This has resulted in bloodshed and terroristic activities in many parts of the country. The innocent village men, security forces and tribal people are facing the brunt of such bloodshed.
The extremists (agitating people) are people who have lost their homes, forests, fodder, lands, frustrated unemployed people, devoid of the fruits of development. They have lost their means of livelihood due to land acquisition, alienation, and monopolistic policy decisions of the state. Economic disparity has been the main cause for the rise of extremism rather than the ideological basis. Their exploitation has been further severed by the lackadaisical attitudes of the bureaucrats, inefficient administrative setup, lack of delivery mechanisms and grievance redressal measures. However any displeasure cannot be justified with violence and killings.
Government has initiated various measures to tackle such insurgencies such as creation of specially trained police forces like grey hounds, CoBRA etc, fortification of all the police stations in the affected LWE districts, modern armouries and specialised training to improve the defence capabilities of security forces.
Most of the LWE affected districts are backward and poor on various human development indicators. Realising this importance, government has also started social welfare programmes like Integrated action plan (IAP), special infrastructure scheme (SIS), Security related expenditure (SRE) scheme, Backward regions grant fund (BRGF) etc.. Such schemes are aimed at altering the critical infrastructure gaps and provide the necessities for construction of School Buildings, Anganwadi Centres, Drinking Water Facilities, Rural Roads, Panchayats Bhawans, PDS shops, skill trainings, Minor Irrigation Works, Electric Lighting, Health Centres, construction of Toilets, construction of passenger waiting hall, construction of ANM Centres, development of play grounds etc.
Secessionists interests
In addition, there are many secessionist interests and the so called revolutionary movements operating in the country today. Their goal could be to overthrow the government and bring about revolutionary changes in the structure and functioning of the state, or even secession from the Indian Union. Ever since independence, India has been facing all types of violent conflicts based on religion, caste, language, ethnicity and regional loyalties. Political insecurity further compounds the problem.
The Naga leadership under Z.A. Phizo had challenged their integration into the Indian Union even before India became independent in 1947. The Naga insurgency started way back in the early 1950s. Since then the insurgencies in this region have multiplied and spread to many new areas. Some seek secession from the Indian Union, some others seek separate states and yet others greater autonomy within the existing state.
The number of such insurgent groups could reach three-digit figures. In Manipur alone, more than twenty-five groups are operating. In Assam, the demands for bodoland have shunned the economic life of the region and have led to the creation of many militant groups like ULFA. Thousands have died in the insurgency-related violence.
Preoccupied with the problem of survival, the state governments in some of the most affected states are not looking at the problem from a long-term perspective. They have bought temporary peace by compromising with the subversive forces. Such short-sighted policies can have disastrous consequences in the long run. It is not surprising that in some parts of the state, the local men and police forces have joined hands with the subversive.
Finding themselves at the mercy of these subversive forces, the people tend to change sides and start supporting them instead of supporting the security forces. It would be wrong to assume that all those supporting, directly or indirectly, these forces are sympathetic to their ideology. Far from it! For most of them, preoccupied with the daily battle of survival, this is the obvious choice, because the police are unable to protect them.
The whole developmental process is seriously hampered because of this unending violence. The geo-strategic importance of the North-East is not sufficiently appreciated even in the security establishment. All the states in the North-East share an international border with other countries and the seven North-Eastern states are linked to the rest of the country only by a narrow strip of land. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged a feeling of alienation, which is being exploited by the anti national elements to pursue their own agenda.
The roots of these many insurgencies in the North-East lie deep in its history and its geography. The many ethnic groups, speaking many different languages and dialects, who inhabit this remote part of the country consider themselves as separate people with little in common with the people in the rest of the country. The lack of physical, cultural and emotional links has encouraged this feeling of separation.
The politician-police-criminal nexus has further emboldened the criminal elements. This creates a situation of lawlessness, where the rich and powerful violate the law with impunity. The police system is not the only department that is suffering but the entire justice system is strained. Not all cases are registered, and if registered there are not properly investigated, out of those very few are charge sheeted resulting in almost very low levels of conviction rates. In some north eastern state, the police have stopped submitting charge sheets in insurgency related cases.
When the fear of legal punishment disappears, organised crime makes its way. Money power, extortion and the so called protection money become more widespread. Many of the insurgent and militant groups are not driven by ideology, but by sheer greed. Money power is a bigger motivating factor than ideology. This mutually beneficial relationship has seriously damaged the quality of governance in the interior areas.
The real losers are the people. The development process gets seriously hampered in a violent environment. The deprived and the marginalised sections of the society, unable to survive in the present system, get alienated. The militant and extremist forces thrive in this environment. The rise of Left extremism and insurgents is more due to these compulsions than on ideological grounds.
Communal tensions
The rise of armed senas based on ethnic and caste lines in some parts of the country has led to the polarisation of the society. Loss of public confidence on the state and police to protect life and property has further strengthened their interests. Their attacks on religious lines have created a sense of insecurity among the people. Far from controlling them, some partisan political groups and police have encouraged their development.
Political high lords have always utilised the minority groups as vote banks, playing the communal card to their advantage, supporting their cause and cry, every time the elections makes it to the corner. This utilisation of the citizenry by dividing them on the communal basis is not new. The legacy of the British has still not left the country. Polarisation on caste and religious lines can further reduce the credibility of the democracy in the minds of the people.
Ethnic, communal, linguistic and sectarian clashes have shadowed the basic principle of common brotherhood enshrined in our constitution. The principle of vasudaiva kutumbam( the world is our family) has remained always in books and papers. The lack of faith and trust among fellow citizens has led to their exploitation by various section of society for personal greed and aggrandizement.
The rise of fundamentalist forces is posing the most serious threat to Indias security. Fired with religious zeal these forces have created an entirely new situation. These bands of fanatics are not only indulging in subversive activities, but are spreading the virus of fundamentalism. The break-up of the Indian Union continues to be their main goal. Easy availability of deadly weapons with the subversive groups operating in India has created new dangers for Indias security.
Other forms of violence
With the Golden Crescent, and the Golden Triangle in Indias neighbourhood, drug trafficking poses yet another threat to our security. Drug syndicates are generating huge funds, a part of which is being used to give financial support to criminal activities in the country. Drug trafficking and adulteration have been used by many to create a panic situation in the country.
Low levels of tolerance has diseased the democracy to the deepest level. It is now enough for just a film or a clipping or a song or even just a facebook/twitter post or for that matter just a word/sentence to hurt the sentiments of the people and create outrage. Participative democracy has been tethered to its pieces with such growing levels of impatience and intolerance.
In public perception a government that is unable to discharge all its responsibilities is more likely to respond when the demand is loud, organised and backed by acts of violence. It is even easier to create a mob and clashes and undermine the process of governance. So subtle and fragile is the security situation in the country. It has become very easy and simple to take up arms and wage a war and more and more difficult to keep calm and promote peace. Any amount of force will not deter this rage. It is only our determined and concerted effort to avoid becoming a pawn in some masters game will keep up the credibility of democratic governance.
It is very alarming to observe the number of juveniles involved in serious crimes. More and more delinquents have been convicted under the juvenile justice act (care and protection), 2000. Distorted minds are an indication of poor levels of education, illiteracy and disturbed childhood. It is very essential to catch them young, reform and rehabilitate their future.
Misogynist attitudes and patriarchal ways have demeaned the stature of women in society. Progress towards social emancipation of women in society has not achieved the desired outcome. The societal balance has been disturbed. Our skewed sex ratio of 940 females to 1000 males bears a testament to heinous crimes against women like female foeticide, female infanticide, abortions, acid attacks, molestation, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, murder etc
Conclusion
Effective steps to reduce ethnic and social inequalities, disparities in educational and employment opportunities and for creating effective machinery for the redressal of public grievance are essential to prevent extremists violence. Steps to reduce economic deprivation and improve the delivery of essential services can erode the base of public support on which the extremist movements survive.
Lack of police reforms is fracturing the autonomy, accountability and responsiveness of the system. The Supreme Court directive in 2006 put forth guidelines to the states to improve the functioning of the police. However they have not been implemented as yet in many states. Use of ICT to develop modern techniques of investigation, forensics should be made available. Fortification of the police stations with well equipped machinery like CCTV cameras, bomb detectors, rifles, pistols etc should make its way into the system. Gender sensitization is of utmost importance given the increasing crimes on women.
The need for a well co-ordinated security apparatus cannot be undermined. A well structured machinery involving the army, paramilitary, intelligence, central forces and state police should be managed in every state. A composite force like that of NSG should be stationed in every state to meet the unforeseen violent strikes.
Special training on mob handling and criminal psychology should be provided. There is a need to make the forces more professional and improving their quality rather than emphasizing on the number of men. Standard operating procedures should be laid down with ample scope to exercise discretion to balance autonomy with accountability.
Centre is duty bound to intervene, if the security challenges are beyond the control of the state, as laid down in the constitution. The primary responsibility of maintain the law and order is with the state government as mentioned in the state list, but art 353 the union government is charged with the responsibility to protect the state government from internal disturbances. Action for non-compliance of the directions from the Union government can be taken under Article 365.
A state government can be dismissed under Article 356, if a situation arises in which the administration of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. A national emergency can be declared under Article 352.But, even if the Centre decides to intervene, the states role cannot be minimised. The many internal security challenges can be met effectively only with full cooperation between the central and the state governments.
The internal security problems should not be treated as merely law and order problems. They have to be dealt with comprehensively in all their dimensions and at all levels political, economic and social. The security requirements have to be met, but that does not mean giving the security agencies a free hand. Striking the right balance is the key to success in meeting these challenges effectively.
Shaik Shabana
Sources
www.moha.gov.in
www.indiastrategic.in
www.idsa.in
www.claws.in
Conflicts in Seven Sisters States (North-East India)
Introduction
* Seven states from Indias Northeast includes Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura well known as Seven sisters and Sikkim(a state of Indian union in 1975,became a member of the regional North Eastern council in 2003.Hence became a eighth Northeastern state ) are the locations of the earliest and longest insurgency in the country
* These states cover a combined area around 7.7% of the countrys territory and around 3.74% of national population
* This northeast region is poorly connected to the Indian mainland by a small corridor Silliguri corridor (known as Chickens neck)and it is home to numerous diverse communities and located strategically with borders with other countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Tibet/ China and Myanmar which created conflicts several times that is danger for Indias democracy
* In addition of insurgencies in the states, there are conflicts and confrontations over land use and control, issues of language, identity formation, demographic change and minority-majority problems
* At the commencement of the constitution, the present states of Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram constituted a district each of Assam, whereas Arunachal Pradesh, then NEFA (North-East Frontier Association),consisted of several frontier tracts administered by the Governor of Assam was therefore, to be a part of that state. The states of Manipur and Tripura were princely states which after merger with India in 1948 became Union territories.
* State of Nagaland(1963), Meghalaya(1972),conferring first , status of Union territory(1972) and subsequently statehood(1987) to Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram and elevation of Manipur and Tripura from Union territories to States in 1972
* Following the large scale reorganization of the region in 1972,a regional body, the North Eastern Council(NEC) was set up to provide a forum for inter-state coordination, regional planning and integrated development of the region to avoid intra-regional disparities
Historical reason for conflicts
* The historical connections among the traditional tribes in the Northeast are mainly of Tibetan, Barman and Mongoloid stock and closer to Southeast Asia than to South Asia. It is ethnically, linguistically and culturally very distinct from the other states of India
* Though cultural and ethnic diversity per say are not causes for conflict, but one of the major problem areas is that Northeast is territorially organized in such a manner that ethnic and cultural specificities were ignored during the process of outlining of state boundaries in the 1950s, giving rise to dissatisfaction of ones identity
* The colonial rulers took nearly a century to annex the entire region and administered the hill as a loose frontier area as a result the large parts of the northeastern hill areas never came in touch with the principle of a central administration before. Hence, their loyalty to the newly formed states was lacking from the beginning which meant the loss of a major chunk of the physical connection between mainland and Northeast.
* Interestingly, 99% of the Northeasts boundaries is international and only 1% is domestic boundary
Typology of Conflicts
* Conflicts in the Northeast region from insurgency for secession to insurgency for autonomy, from sponsored terrorism to ethnic clashes to conflicts generated as a result of continuous inflow of migrants from across the borders as well as from other States. Conflicts in the region can be broadly grouped under the following categories:
* National conflicts: Involving concept of a distinct homeland as a separate nation and pursuit of the realization of that goal by its votaries
* Ethnic conflicts: Involving assertion of numerically smaller and less dominant tribal groups against the political and cultural hold of the dominant tribal group. In Assam this also takes the form of tension between local and migrant communities.
* Sub-regional conflicts: Involving movements which ask for recognition of sub-regional aspirations and often come in direct conflict with the State Governments or even the autonomous Councils.
Issues of governance
* The Indian governments past and ongoing processes of national integration, state-building and democratic consolidationhave further aggravated the conflict scenario in the region. For instance, the eight states comprising the Northeast is populated by nearly 40 million inhabitants who vary in language, race, tribe, caste, religion, and regional heritage. Therefore, most often, the clubbing of all these states under the tag of northeast has tended to have a homogenizing effect with its own set of implications for policy formulation and implementation; not to mention local unwillingness to such a construct
* The politico-administrative arrangements made by the Centre have also been lacking. For instance, the introduction of the Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils (currently there are ten such Councils in the region and many more demanding such status) ended up creating multiple power centers instead of bringing in a genuine process of democratization or autonomy in the region
* The AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act) for instance, shows the inability and reluctance of the government to solve the conflict with adequate political measures. The AFSPA was passed on 18 August, 1958, as a short-term measure to allow deployment of the army to counter an armed separatist movement in the Naga Hills, has been in place for the last five decades and was extended to all the seven states of the Northeast region in 1972 (with the exception of Mizoram).
* It was part of a bundle of provisions, passed by the central government, to retain control over the Naga areas, in which the Naga National Council (NNC) demanded further autonomous rights. The AFSPA became a powerful measure for the central and the state government to act against actors challenging the political and territorial integrity of India.
* As a result, the Indian army for the first time since its independence was deployed to manage an internal conflict. But, instead of resolving the problem, it led to an ongoing escalation of the conflict by bringing it on a military level.The regular violations of human rights has led to a radicalization and militarization of the region and weakened also the supporters of a political solution. A fact-finding commission, appointed by the government in 2004, complained that the AFSPA has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and highhandedness.
* Though the conflict in the region is mired with complex political-economic issues, such as, struggle over natural resources, migration related issues, displacement, social exclusion it is mainly the politics of identity lie at the heart of the bigger part of the current conflict constellations in the Northeast
Foreign Policy imperative
* Indias look east policy which was formulated in 1991 on the heels of Indias economic liberalization, was a foreign economic policy initiative towards South East Asia. The Northeast which is geographically situated between mainland India and Southeast Asia is supposed to have had immense developmental benefits as a result of this initiative and hence, have synergy effects on reducing poverty in the region; as well as on insurgency and armed conflict.
* The regions diverse natural resources, rich bio-diversity and enormous hydro-electricity potential, among others, could also help to overcome the widespread feeling of backwardness among the inhabitants of the Northeast
* But there is also increasing argument made that the impact of increased introduction of market imperatives in the traditional society of the region would have irreversible impact on the peoples culture and life and it would also lead to increased settlement of mainland people to the northeast
* Thereby it is of high importance, that the announced opening will take place in a regulated frame and through cooperation with the local people, otherwise it could aggravate the tensions between the center and the region. The government has also faced criticism in the way in which it has been looking at the Northeast as an issue of territorial security rather than development per say. The fear of a growing Chinese influence, as well as, increasing cross-border terrorism (Myanmar, Bangladesh) in the region are some of the factors cited as reasons for limiting India in its attempt to open the region.
State Specific Conflict Profiles
Assam
* A wide variety of ethnic conflicts prevail in the State e.g. agitations against influx of foreigners, perceived inability of the Government to deport them; occasional tensions between religious/linguistic groups and escalating conflicts involving tribal communities who seek local autonomy etc.
National/Extremist Conflicts
* Undivided Assam had the longest history of insurgency. Naga and Mizo insurgencies were the earliest to flare up. Even in the present truncated Assam, there are a number of extremist outfits led by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
* It has also been argued that there have been several contributing factors for the youth to join the cadres of UL FA such as unemployment, corruption in Government machinery, influx of illegal migrants, dominance of non-Assamese in the business sector, perception of exploitation of Assams natural resources by the Centre and alleged human right violation by the Security Forces
* It became active from the 1980s and till the late 1990s, enjoyed considerable public support due to a perception that insurgency is causing secessions from Assam and that if only the Assamese had launched a violent counter-agitation, the situation would have been different. The average Assamese also regarded the six years of largely non-violent agitation for expulsion of foreigners as having achieved very little success.
* With large scale criminalization of ULFA cadres in the 1990s there was a rapid loss of public support particularly among the urban middle classes. Another factor for its decline was ULFAs known links with the agencies of certain foreign countries with interest in subverting the distinctive culture of the State and in causing unrest in the country.
* It also appears that repeated volte-face by ULFA during several abortive negotiations with the Government, affected its credibility. After the crackdown by the Bhutanese Army, ULFA has not recovered its past strength though the organization tries to make its presence felt through kidnappings, bomb blasts and selective murder of migrant workers. In addition, almost all tribal communities have some armed outfits purportedly safeguarding their interests.
Ethnic Conflict
* The major ethnic conflict in the State is the grievance against the perceived influx of foreigners i.e. people with a language and culture substantially different from the Assamese from across the border (i.e. Bangladesh). The foreigners agitation of 1979-85 brought Assam to the centre stage of attention.
* The problem can be traced to the early years of the last century when the landless from the neighboring overpopulated districts of East Bengal started arriving in the fertile and then substantially fallow Brahmaputra valley. Following communal rioting in East Pakistan in the 1950s and 1960s there were further waves of migration from the minority community of that country.
* The Bodos, a major tribe and among the earliest settlers in the State, initiated a stream of insurgency on the issues of the dispossession of their tribal lands by Bengali and Assamese settlers, as well as neglect of the Bodo language and culture. Kokrajhar and parts of the Goalpara districts are the focus of Bodo discontent. Towards the latter half of the 1980s, the Bodos started demanding a separate State within India
* Still later, growing unemployment, fragmentation of land and the war for the liberation of Bangladesh encouraged a renewed influx even from the majority community. With the fear of being culturally and politically swamped, resentment built up among the Assamese and escalated into one of independent Indias most prolonged and vigorous agitations.
* While both the Union and State Governments have accorded priority to the process of detection
Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution and deportation of illegal migrants (foreigners), the issue continues to simmer with the original inhabitants claiming that for reasons of vote bank politics effective steps are not being taken to deport them while people sharing the religious-linguistic profile of the foreigners claim that they are harassed and unreasonably forced to prove their Indian citizenship.
Arunachal Pradesh:
* The State has remained peaceful after the cease-fire with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) which was active in Tirap District. There was some disquiet with the settlement of relatively more enterprising Chakma refugees from Bangladesh in the State in large numbers which appears to have subsided.
* Growing income disparities and constriction of employment opportunities could be a potential source of conflicts.
Manipur:
* Manipur lies in the midst of hills and valleys and due to its geographical position and natural boundaries access to Manipur is limited. One fourth of Manipur (which is the valley), is home to more than seventy per cent of its population which predominantly consists of the culturally distinct Meitei community.
* The State was ruled as a monarchy (later princely state) by Meitei rulers. The Meitei influence declined in the socio-economic spheres after Independence with the tribals coming into the forefront largely because of reservations. There was also resentment in a section of the Meitei society about the merger of the State with the Indian Union a resentment which led to the Meitei insurgency from the 1960s.There are currently 34 groups and organizations, including non-violent ones, that demand independence from India
* Tribals account for around thirty per cent of the States population and broadly belong to Naga, Kuki-Chin and Mizo groups. There is considerable tension among the tribes over land and boundaries and violence between Nagas and Kukis took a toll of more than 2000 lives during the 1990s.
* The cease-fire between the Union Government and the NSCN has reduced violence in Naga areas but has given rise to fresh tensions as the NSCN insists on a greater Nagalim which would include four Districts of Manipur. This is stoutly resisted by the Meiteis and had caused a very violent agitation in 2001. The assurance to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur has resulted in comparative peace on this score.
* It is reported that today militant organizations are virtually running a parallel government in many districts of Manipur and they are able to influence the decision of the State Government in awarding contracts, supply orders and appointments in government service. It is also reported that militant organizations indulge in widespread extortion and hold courts and dispense justice in their areas of influence
* Since there has not been any significant industrial development in the State, there are no major industries or manufacturing units which could provide employment for the educated youth. The biggest employer continues to be the State not only in Manipur but the entire region. The educated youth has, therefore, to look for employment in far off places like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore, etc.
* Since Inner Line Permit (ILP) exists in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, people of Manipur have made an organization Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) and theyre demanding Government of India to implement Inner Line Permit system (ILP) in Manipur. In 2012, Manipur State Assembly also passed a resolution urging Government of India, to implement the ILP system to Manipur.
Blockades in Manipur
* An advertisement, published in the leading local newspapers of Imphal which promises an LPG cylinder or Photon (internet data card) free with every Sony Vaio laptop bought, only sums up the situation.
* Manipur faces the LPG crisis due to frequent economic blockade on the National Highways 39 (Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal) and 53 (Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar) . Due to the blockade, trucks had not been able to enter the state and petroleum products had become one of the most priced items not to speak of scarcity of essential items besides its impact on their prices.
Cost of Essential commodities
ItemPost-Blockade(Rs.)Pre-Blockade(Rs.)
LPG cylinder1800415
Petrol12065
Diesel6040
Kerosene5040
Cooking oil10513
Meghalaya:
* The State is fortunately free from violence of the intensity that prevails in many other parts of the region. Except violence against outsiders particularly the Bengali speaking linguistic minority, there have been no major problems in the State. Still some are following concerns
* Increasing clash of interest between the State Government and the Sixth Schedule District Councils the entire State is under that Schedule
* Increasing inter-tribal rivalry
* Emerging tensions about infiltration from Bangladesh particularly in the Garo Hills
Mizoram:
* The State with its history of violent insurgency and its subsequent return to peace is an example to all other violence affected States. Following an accord between the Union Government and the Mizo National Front in 1986 and conferment of statehood the next year, complete peace and harmony prevails in Mizoram.
* The State is recognized as having done a commendable job in the implementation of development programmes and making agriculture remunerative. The only potential areas of conflict are the growing income and assets disparities in a largely egalitarian society and the dissatisfaction of the three small non-Mizo District Councils with the State Government, on account of issues pertaining to identity and reservation as STs.
Nagaland:
* Following the cease-fire with the dominant Muivah-Swu of the NSCN, the State is virtually free from overt violent unrest although it is the original hot spot of insurgency. The minority Khaplang faction who does not approve of the cease-fire has also, on the whole, remained peaceful.
* Still some are following concerns
* The lingering issue of a final political settlement including the demand for greater Nagaland or Nagalim which has already noted is causing disquiet in the neighboring areas, particularly Manipur.
* Growing competition over the limited resources of the State and the problem of unemployment of the educated youth.
Tripura:
* The States demographic profile was altered since 1947 when mass migrations from the newly emerged East Pakistan converted it from a largely tribal area to one with a majority of Bengali. Tribals were deprived of their agricultural lands at throw-away prices and driven to the forests.
* The resultant tensions caused major violence and widespread terror with the tribal dominated Tripura National Volunteers (TNV) emerging as one of the most violent extremist outfits in the North East. Proximity to Mizoram exposed the State to the side effects of that insurgency.
* However, effective decentralization in the non-scheduled areas, bringing tribal areas within the purview of an autonomous Sixth Schedule Council, successful land reforms and systematic promotion of agriculture have contributed to considerable conflict reduction.
* The changing religious composition of tribal groups (particularly, the Jamatiyas) is giving rise to newer tensions with apprehension of increased inter-tribal conflicts. While the tribal non-tribal clashes are on the decline, there is growing resentment among the tribals due to the restrictions on their freedom to use the forests and their nominal participation in district development.
* Despite impressive strides made by the State in the last decade, the fact remains that the virtual embargo on trans-border movement of goods, and services to Bangladesh from Tripura have impeded the tempo of economic growth of the State. The Ministry of External Affairs should take up this Tripura specific issue during bilateral negotiations for increased economic cooperation with Bangladesh.
Sikkim:
* The State has not only done well in the sphere of development through decentralized planning but the constitutional mandate of striking a balance between the various ethnic groups (mainly the Lepchas, Bhutiyas and Nepalis) has also prevented emergence of major conflicts.
Modes of Conflict Resolution
* The modes of conflict resolution in the North East have been through following
* Security forces/ police action
* More local autonomy through mechanisms such as conferment of Statehood, the Sixth Schedule, Article 371 C of the Constitution in case of Manipur and through tribe specific accords in Assam etc.
* negotiations with insurgent outfits
* development activities including special economic packages
* The conflict prevention and resolution in the North East would require a judicious mix of various approaches strengthened by the experience of successes and failures of the past.
* Some Report recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 may be repealed in the North East with some of its provisions incorporated in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to enable the Security Forces to have operational freedom consistent with human rights concerns. There are many other recommendations pertaining to Police reforms and toning up the local intelligence set up etc that would also apply to the situation in the North East.
* The other mode of conflict resolution is the developmental approach. This approach embodies the thinking that if institutions of development are created in the region and plan outlays substantially increased, the problems of politics, society, ethnic strife, militant assertion and of integration will get minimized
Political Paradigm
* The realization that the people of the North East needed special support to have their voice heard in a large polity with which they had little contact was evident since Independence itself. While there is always room for creative political solutions of the perennial problems of the region through building of consensus and continually enlarging the scope of democratization, it is doubtful if the political paradigm admits further radical innovations. There is a case for now working towards making the existing political instrumentalities realize their potential for the growth and well being of this important part of our country.
* At the political level, therefore, what is now required is the strengthening of the rule of law and constitutional politics, the authority and legitimacy of the democratically elected State and local governments. This would satisfy the need for introducing accountability and democratic practice into the conflict resolution machinery in the North East
* It would also involve an enhanced role for the legislatures, State administration and elected local governments in the region. Recent developments such as the establishment of elected village councils in the Sixth Schedule areas in Tripura, the successful initiative of elected VEC and AEC in Meghalaya to implement the NREGA, the effective involvement of the largely elected Village Area Development Committees in Nagaland and the initiation of communalization are all testimony of how democratic processes in village governance and development can yield positive results.
* This would call for bringing elements of democratic processes in local governance and development in the North East. In particular, there is need for introducing village self-governance in the Sixth Schedule areas (as appropriate to the specific conditions in each State), strengthening and providing resources to the autonomous councils to carry out their assigned executive responsibilities and for making suitable changes in respect of the tribal areas outside the Sixth Schedule and the tribe-specific Councils of Assam.
* It would also require revamping of the existing system of delivery of public services by entrusting this responsibility to the local bodies
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Info:-
Prithvirajsinh Zala
References:-
* http://www.thehindu.com
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
* http://www.easternpanorama.in
* http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
* Seven states from Indias Northeast includes Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura well known as Seven sisters and Sikkim(a state of Indian union in 1975,became a member of the regional North Eastern council in 2003.Hence became a eighth Northeastern state ) are the locations of the earliest and longest insurgency in the country
* These states cover a combined area around 7.7% of the countrys territory and around 3.74% of national population
* This northeast region is poorly connected to the Indian mainland by a small corridor Silliguri corridor (known as Chickens neck)and it is home to numerous diverse communities and located strategically with borders with other countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, Tibet/ China and Myanmar which created conflicts several times that is danger for Indias democracy
* In addition of insurgencies in the states, there are conflicts and confrontations over land use and control, issues of language, identity formation, demographic change and minority-majority problems
* At the commencement of the constitution, the present states of Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram constituted a district each of Assam, whereas Arunachal Pradesh, then NEFA (North-East Frontier Association),consisted of several frontier tracts administered by the Governor of Assam was therefore, to be a part of that state. The states of Manipur and Tripura were princely states which after merger with India in 1948 became Union territories.
* State of Nagaland(1963), Meghalaya(1972),conferring first , status of Union territory(1972) and subsequently statehood(1987) to Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram and elevation of Manipur and Tripura from Union territories to States in 1972
* Following the large scale reorganization of the region in 1972,a regional body, the North Eastern Council(NEC) was set up to provide a forum for inter-state coordination, regional planning and integrated development of the region to avoid intra-regional disparities
Historical reason for conflicts
* The historical connections among the traditional tribes in the Northeast are mainly of Tibetan, Barman and Mongoloid stock and closer to Southeast Asia than to South Asia. It is ethnically, linguistically and culturally very distinct from the other states of India
* Though cultural and ethnic diversity per say are not causes for conflict, but one of the major problem areas is that Northeast is territorially organized in such a manner that ethnic and cultural specificities were ignored during the process of outlining of state boundaries in the 1950s, giving rise to dissatisfaction of ones identity
* The colonial rulers took nearly a century to annex the entire region and administered the hill as a loose frontier area as a result the large parts of the northeastern hill areas never came in touch with the principle of a central administration before. Hence, their loyalty to the newly formed states was lacking from the beginning which meant the loss of a major chunk of the physical connection between mainland and Northeast.
* Interestingly, 99% of the Northeasts boundaries is international and only 1% is domestic boundary
Typology of Conflicts
* Conflicts in the Northeast region from insurgency for secession to insurgency for autonomy, from sponsored terrorism to ethnic clashes to conflicts generated as a result of continuous inflow of migrants from across the borders as well as from other States. Conflicts in the region can be broadly grouped under the following categories:
* National conflicts: Involving concept of a distinct homeland as a separate nation and pursuit of the realization of that goal by its votaries
* Ethnic conflicts: Involving assertion of numerically smaller and less dominant tribal groups against the political and cultural hold of the dominant tribal group. In Assam this also takes the form of tension between local and migrant communities.
* Sub-regional conflicts: Involving movements which ask for recognition of sub-regional aspirations and often come in direct conflict with the State Governments or even the autonomous Councils.
Issues of governance
* The Indian governments past and ongoing processes of national integration, state-building and democratic consolidationhave further aggravated the conflict scenario in the region. For instance, the eight states comprising the Northeast is populated by nearly 40 million inhabitants who vary in language, race, tribe, caste, religion, and regional heritage. Therefore, most often, the clubbing of all these states under the tag of northeast has tended to have a homogenizing effect with its own set of implications for policy formulation and implementation; not to mention local unwillingness to such a construct
* The politico-administrative arrangements made by the Centre have also been lacking. For instance, the introduction of the Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils (currently there are ten such Councils in the region and many more demanding such status) ended up creating multiple power centers instead of bringing in a genuine process of democratization or autonomy in the region
* The AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act) for instance, shows the inability and reluctance of the government to solve the conflict with adequate political measures. The AFSPA was passed on 18 August, 1958, as a short-term measure to allow deployment of the army to counter an armed separatist movement in the Naga Hills, has been in place for the last five decades and was extended to all the seven states of the Northeast region in 1972 (with the exception of Mizoram).
* It was part of a bundle of provisions, passed by the central government, to retain control over the Naga areas, in which the Naga National Council (NNC) demanded further autonomous rights. The AFSPA became a powerful measure for the central and the state government to act against actors challenging the political and territorial integrity of India.
* As a result, the Indian army for the first time since its independence was deployed to manage an internal conflict. But, instead of resolving the problem, it led to an ongoing escalation of the conflict by bringing it on a military level.The regular violations of human rights has led to a radicalization and militarization of the region and weakened also the supporters of a political solution. A fact-finding commission, appointed by the government in 2004, complained that the AFSPA has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and highhandedness.
* Though the conflict in the region is mired with complex political-economic issues, such as, struggle over natural resources, migration related issues, displacement, social exclusion it is mainly the politics of identity lie at the heart of the bigger part of the current conflict constellations in the Northeast
Foreign Policy imperative
* Indias look east policy which was formulated in 1991 on the heels of Indias economic liberalization, was a foreign economic policy initiative towards South East Asia. The Northeast which is geographically situated between mainland India and Southeast Asia is supposed to have had immense developmental benefits as a result of this initiative and hence, have synergy effects on reducing poverty in the region; as well as on insurgency and armed conflict.
* The regions diverse natural resources, rich bio-diversity and enormous hydro-electricity potential, among others, could also help to overcome the widespread feeling of backwardness among the inhabitants of the Northeast
* But there is also increasing argument made that the impact of increased introduction of market imperatives in the traditional society of the region would have irreversible impact on the peoples culture and life and it would also lead to increased settlement of mainland people to the northeast
* Thereby it is of high importance, that the announced opening will take place in a regulated frame and through cooperation with the local people, otherwise it could aggravate the tensions between the center and the region. The government has also faced criticism in the way in which it has been looking at the Northeast as an issue of territorial security rather than development per say. The fear of a growing Chinese influence, as well as, increasing cross-border terrorism (Myanmar, Bangladesh) in the region are some of the factors cited as reasons for limiting India in its attempt to open the region.
State Specific Conflict Profiles
Assam
* A wide variety of ethnic conflicts prevail in the State e.g. agitations against influx of foreigners, perceived inability of the Government to deport them; occasional tensions between religious/linguistic groups and escalating conflicts involving tribal communities who seek local autonomy etc.
National/Extremist Conflicts
* Undivided Assam had the longest history of insurgency. Naga and Mizo insurgencies were the earliest to flare up. Even in the present truncated Assam, there are a number of extremist outfits led by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
* It has also been argued that there have been several contributing factors for the youth to join the cadres of UL FA such as unemployment, corruption in Government machinery, influx of illegal migrants, dominance of non-Assamese in the business sector, perception of exploitation of Assams natural resources by the Centre and alleged human right violation by the Security Forces
* It became active from the 1980s and till the late 1990s, enjoyed considerable public support due to a perception that insurgency is causing secessions from Assam and that if only the Assamese had launched a violent counter-agitation, the situation would have been different. The average Assamese also regarded the six years of largely non-violent agitation for expulsion of foreigners as having achieved very little success.
* With large scale criminalization of ULFA cadres in the 1990s there was a rapid loss of public support particularly among the urban middle classes. Another factor for its decline was ULFAs known links with the agencies of certain foreign countries with interest in subverting the distinctive culture of the State and in causing unrest in the country.
* It also appears that repeated volte-face by ULFA during several abortive negotiations with the Government, affected its credibility. After the crackdown by the Bhutanese Army, ULFA has not recovered its past strength though the organization tries to make its presence felt through kidnappings, bomb blasts and selective murder of migrant workers. In addition, almost all tribal communities have some armed outfits purportedly safeguarding their interests.
Ethnic Conflict
* The major ethnic conflict in the State is the grievance against the perceived influx of foreigners i.e. people with a language and culture substantially different from the Assamese from across the border (i.e. Bangladesh). The foreigners agitation of 1979-85 brought Assam to the centre stage of attention.
* The problem can be traced to the early years of the last century when the landless from the neighboring overpopulated districts of East Bengal started arriving in the fertile and then substantially fallow Brahmaputra valley. Following communal rioting in East Pakistan in the 1950s and 1960s there were further waves of migration from the minority community of that country.
* The Bodos, a major tribe and among the earliest settlers in the State, initiated a stream of insurgency on the issues of the dispossession of their tribal lands by Bengali and Assamese settlers, as well as neglect of the Bodo language and culture. Kokrajhar and parts of the Goalpara districts are the focus of Bodo discontent. Towards the latter half of the 1980s, the Bodos started demanding a separate State within India
* Still later, growing unemployment, fragmentation of land and the war for the liberation of Bangladesh encouraged a renewed influx even from the majority community. With the fear of being culturally and politically swamped, resentment built up among the Assamese and escalated into one of independent Indias most prolonged and vigorous agitations.
* While both the Union and State Governments have accorded priority to the process of detection
Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution and deportation of illegal migrants (foreigners), the issue continues to simmer with the original inhabitants claiming that for reasons of vote bank politics effective steps are not being taken to deport them while people sharing the religious-linguistic profile of the foreigners claim that they are harassed and unreasonably forced to prove their Indian citizenship.
Arunachal Pradesh:
* The State has remained peaceful after the cease-fire with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) which was active in Tirap District. There was some disquiet with the settlement of relatively more enterprising Chakma refugees from Bangladesh in the State in large numbers which appears to have subsided.
* Growing income disparities and constriction of employment opportunities could be a potential source of conflicts.
Manipur:
* Manipur lies in the midst of hills and valleys and due to its geographical position and natural boundaries access to Manipur is limited. One fourth of Manipur (which is the valley), is home to more than seventy per cent of its population which predominantly consists of the culturally distinct Meitei community.
* The State was ruled as a monarchy (later princely state) by Meitei rulers. The Meitei influence declined in the socio-economic spheres after Independence with the tribals coming into the forefront largely because of reservations. There was also resentment in a section of the Meitei society about the merger of the State with the Indian Union a resentment which led to the Meitei insurgency from the 1960s.There are currently 34 groups and organizations, including non-violent ones, that demand independence from India
* Tribals account for around thirty per cent of the States population and broadly belong to Naga, Kuki-Chin and Mizo groups. There is considerable tension among the tribes over land and boundaries and violence between Nagas and Kukis took a toll of more than 2000 lives during the 1990s.
* The cease-fire between the Union Government and the NSCN has reduced violence in Naga areas but has given rise to fresh tensions as the NSCN insists on a greater Nagalim which would include four Districts of Manipur. This is stoutly resisted by the Meiteis and had caused a very violent agitation in 2001. The assurance to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur has resulted in comparative peace on this score.
* It is reported that today militant organizations are virtually running a parallel government in many districts of Manipur and they are able to influence the decision of the State Government in awarding contracts, supply orders and appointments in government service. It is also reported that militant organizations indulge in widespread extortion and hold courts and dispense justice in their areas of influence
* Since there has not been any significant industrial development in the State, there are no major industries or manufacturing units which could provide employment for the educated youth. The biggest employer continues to be the State not only in Manipur but the entire region. The educated youth has, therefore, to look for employment in far off places like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore, etc.
* Since Inner Line Permit (ILP) exists in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, people of Manipur have made an organization Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) and theyre demanding Government of India to implement Inner Line Permit system (ILP) in Manipur. In 2012, Manipur State Assembly also passed a resolution urging Government of India, to implement the ILP system to Manipur.
Blockades in Manipur
* An advertisement, published in the leading local newspapers of Imphal which promises an LPG cylinder or Photon (internet data card) free with every Sony Vaio laptop bought, only sums up the situation.
* Manipur faces the LPG crisis due to frequent economic blockade on the National Highways 39 (Dimapur-Kohima-Imphal) and 53 (Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar) . Due to the blockade, trucks had not been able to enter the state and petroleum products had become one of the most priced items not to speak of scarcity of essential items besides its impact on their prices.
Cost of Essential commodities
ItemPost-Blockade(Rs.)Pre-Blockade(Rs.)
LPG cylinder1800415
Petrol12065
Diesel6040
Kerosene5040
Cooking oil10513
Meghalaya:
* The State is fortunately free from violence of the intensity that prevails in many other parts of the region. Except violence against outsiders particularly the Bengali speaking linguistic minority, there have been no major problems in the State. Still some are following concerns
* Increasing clash of interest between the State Government and the Sixth Schedule District Councils the entire State is under that Schedule
* Increasing inter-tribal rivalry
* Emerging tensions about infiltration from Bangladesh particularly in the Garo Hills
Mizoram:
* The State with its history of violent insurgency and its subsequent return to peace is an example to all other violence affected States. Following an accord between the Union Government and the Mizo National Front in 1986 and conferment of statehood the next year, complete peace and harmony prevails in Mizoram.
* The State is recognized as having done a commendable job in the implementation of development programmes and making agriculture remunerative. The only potential areas of conflict are the growing income and assets disparities in a largely egalitarian society and the dissatisfaction of the three small non-Mizo District Councils with the State Government, on account of issues pertaining to identity and reservation as STs.
Nagaland:
* Following the cease-fire with the dominant Muivah-Swu of the NSCN, the State is virtually free from overt violent unrest although it is the original hot spot of insurgency. The minority Khaplang faction who does not approve of the cease-fire has also, on the whole, remained peaceful.
* Still some are following concerns
* The lingering issue of a final political settlement including the demand for greater Nagaland or Nagalim which has already noted is causing disquiet in the neighboring areas, particularly Manipur.
* Growing competition over the limited resources of the State and the problem of unemployment of the educated youth.
Tripura:
* The States demographic profile was altered since 1947 when mass migrations from the newly emerged East Pakistan converted it from a largely tribal area to one with a majority of Bengali. Tribals were deprived of their agricultural lands at throw-away prices and driven to the forests.
* The resultant tensions caused major violence and widespread terror with the tribal dominated Tripura National Volunteers (TNV) emerging as one of the most violent extremist outfits in the North East. Proximity to Mizoram exposed the State to the side effects of that insurgency.
* However, effective decentralization in the non-scheduled areas, bringing tribal areas within the purview of an autonomous Sixth Schedule Council, successful land reforms and systematic promotion of agriculture have contributed to considerable conflict reduction.
* The changing religious composition of tribal groups (particularly, the Jamatiyas) is giving rise to newer tensions with apprehension of increased inter-tribal conflicts. While the tribal non-tribal clashes are on the decline, there is growing resentment among the tribals due to the restrictions on their freedom to use the forests and their nominal participation in district development.
* Despite impressive strides made by the State in the last decade, the fact remains that the virtual embargo on trans-border movement of goods, and services to Bangladesh from Tripura have impeded the tempo of economic growth of the State. The Ministry of External Affairs should take up this Tripura specific issue during bilateral negotiations for increased economic cooperation with Bangladesh.
Sikkim:
* The State has not only done well in the sphere of development through decentralized planning but the constitutional mandate of striking a balance between the various ethnic groups (mainly the Lepchas, Bhutiyas and Nepalis) has also prevented emergence of major conflicts.
Modes of Conflict Resolution
* The modes of conflict resolution in the North East have been through following
* Security forces/ police action
* More local autonomy through mechanisms such as conferment of Statehood, the Sixth Schedule, Article 371 C of the Constitution in case of Manipur and through tribe specific accords in Assam etc.
* negotiations with insurgent outfits
* development activities including special economic packages
* The conflict prevention and resolution in the North East would require a judicious mix of various approaches strengthened by the experience of successes and failures of the past.
* Some Report recommends that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 may be repealed in the North East with some of its provisions incorporated in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to enable the Security Forces to have operational freedom consistent with human rights concerns. There are many other recommendations pertaining to Police reforms and toning up the local intelligence set up etc that would also apply to the situation in the North East.
* The other mode of conflict resolution is the developmental approach. This approach embodies the thinking that if institutions of development are created in the region and plan outlays substantially increased, the problems of politics, society, ethnic strife, militant assertion and of integration will get minimized
Political Paradigm
* The realization that the people of the North East needed special support to have their voice heard in a large polity with which they had little contact was evident since Independence itself. While there is always room for creative political solutions of the perennial problems of the region through building of consensus and continually enlarging the scope of democratization, it is doubtful if the political paradigm admits further radical innovations. There is a case for now working towards making the existing political instrumentalities realize their potential for the growth and well being of this important part of our country.
* At the political level, therefore, what is now required is the strengthening of the rule of law and constitutional politics, the authority and legitimacy of the democratically elected State and local governments. This would satisfy the need for introducing accountability and democratic practice into the conflict resolution machinery in the North East
* It would also involve an enhanced role for the legislatures, State administration and elected local governments in the region. Recent developments such as the establishment of elected village councils in the Sixth Schedule areas in Tripura, the successful initiative of elected VEC and AEC in Meghalaya to implement the NREGA, the effective involvement of the largely elected Village Area Development Committees in Nagaland and the initiation of communalization are all testimony of how democratic processes in village governance and development can yield positive results.
* This would call for bringing elements of democratic processes in local governance and development in the North East. In particular, there is need for introducing village self-governance in the Sixth Schedule areas (as appropriate to the specific conditions in each State), strengthening and providing resources to the autonomous councils to carry out their assigned executive responsibilities and for making suitable changes in respect of the tribal areas outside the Sixth Schedule and the tribe-specific Councils of Assam.
* It would also require revamping of the existing system of delivery of public services by entrusting this responsibility to the local bodies
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Info:-
Prithvirajsinh Zala
References:-
* http://www.thehindu.com
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
* http://www.easternpanorama.in
* http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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