Asymmetric federalism and self-determination movements: A comparative case study of Assam and Manipur

This article explores the use of asymmetric autonomies as territorial management strategy to accommodate questions of self-determination in multi-ethnic societies like India. It examines the institutional arrangements in Northeast India, presenting a comparative study of Assam and Manipur. The Indian Constitution’s provisions granting different levels of autonomy to tribal groups are analyzed. Despite the relative success of territorial management in promoting self-governance and accommodating sub regionalism, challenges persist, particularly in balancing ethnic identity and territorial claims. In an attempt to present a nuanced understanding of asymmetric autonomies, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and Manipur Hill areas are studied to understand the divergent nature of territorial management in addressing ethnic self-rule demands. In addition, the paper seeks to understand how different levels of autonomies have created varied political outcomes, in the case of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Northeast India, highlighting the complexities and effectiveness of asymmetric federalism.