Understanding Insurgency and Conflict Resolution in Northeast India

The Northeast region of India has been plagued with insurgency, with both ethnically, politically, and economically rooted implications. A multitude of armed groups seeking autonomy, asserting their identities, and who resent poverty, have challenged state sovereignty for far too long, and the central government in every state has taken a composite approach (which has included security operations, bilateral negotiations, and developmental initiatives) to contain the separatist and insurgent movements. The outcomes have varied by state; the outcomes of certain (notably the Mizoram Accord in 1986, and the continuing Naga peace negotiations) reconciliation agreements illustrate the possibilities and limitations of negotiated settlements. Over the last few years, there has all but been a reduction in violence due to the effectiveness of counter-insurgency strategies and ongoing talking. What cannot be lost in regards to the reduced violence are challenges also still exist including unresolved demands, sporadic violence and absent inclusive governance. Conflict resolution in the Northeast needs to be holistic and consistent in approach by addressing the ongoing ramifications of the reasons for conflict (ethnic dispute, marginalization, and underdevelopment) by fostering belonging and participation of local people, and requires an energetic role of trust building. Lasting peace, requires creating a balance between security requirements, political accommodation, and socio-economic integration.