Northeast India's Protracted Conflicts and Their Regional Implications: Theoretical Exploration of Ethnic Conflicts and Conflict Transformation

ABSTRACT The objective of this research article is to provide a comprehensive examination of the internal conflicts in India's Northeast region, particularly in light of the recent outbreak of internal conflict in Manipur. The article adopts a theoretical approach, with a primary emphasis on ethnicity and reconciliation. The origins of ethnic conflict in the region can be traced back to the British colonial period in India. Consequently, this research paper examines the historical trajectory of unrest and conflict in Northeast India. This article endeavors to unravel the intricate drivers behind these protracted conflicts, shedding light on the resultant insurgencies and resistance that have cast a shadow over the northeastern part of India. Employing a primordial theoretical model, the paper analyzes ethnic conflicts, focusing on three states: Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. Additionally, Lederach's pyramid of peace‐building, serving as a theoretical model, is applied to explore potential reconciliation pathways for the region. In a broader context, this study examines the geopolitical implications arising from ethnic conflicts in Northeast India for South Asia.