North-East India is a region known for its diverse ethnic groups, languages, cultures, and religions. The region comprises eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Ethnic movements in North-East India have been significant in shaping the region’s political landscape. These movements have largely emerged from the desire of various ethnic groups to assert their identity, protect their rights, and address historical grievances related to marginalization, exploitation, and perceived discrimination by the Indian state and other dominant groups.
Ethnic movements in the region are complex and multifaceted, often driven by a mix of political, economic, social, and cultural factors. These movements have sought autonomy, self-determination, and the preservation of cultural identity. Some have been peaceful, while others have involved violent confrontations with the Indian government or other ethnic communities. Below are some key ethnic movements in North-East India:
1. The Naga Movement:
The Naga people, predominantly located in Nagaland, have a long history of seeking autonomy. The Naga movement began during British colonial rule when the Naga tribes resisted British control and demanded recognition of their distinct identity. After India’s independence, the Naga people, led by the Naga National Council (NNC), continued to demand independence from India.
- Formation of the Naga Nationalist Movement:
- In 1951, the NNC held the Naga People’s Convention and declared the formation of an independent Naga state. This led to violent insurgency movements, with the Naga insurgent groups engaging in armed conflict against Indian forces. The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) emerged in the 1980s as the leading insurgent group, further intensifying the struggle for Naga self-determination.
- The Naga Peace Process:
- The Naga movement, while initially focused on complete independence, has evolved over time. The Indo-Naga Peace Process, initiated in the late 1990s, has led to several rounds of peace talks between the Government of India and Naga insurgent leaders. The 2015 Framework Agreement marked a significant step towards resolving the Naga issue, although the demand for full autonomy continues to be a matter of contention.
2. The Assam Movement and the Assam Accord:
Assam, a state with significant ethnic diversity, has witnessed multiple ethnic movements. The Assam Movement, led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in the 1970s and 1980s, was primarily focused on the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh and the preservation of Assamese culture and identity.
- Demands for Cultural and Economic Preservation:
- The Assam Movement’s main demand was the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). Assamese ethnic groups feared that the influx of migrants would dilute their cultural identity and reduce their political power in the state. The movement also emphasized economic issues, such as the control of local resources and employment opportunities for indigenous Assamese people.
- The Assam Accord (1985):
- The Assam Accord was signed in 1985 between the Indian government and the AASU, which aimed to address the demands of the movement. Under the terms of the Accord, foreign nationals who entered Assam after 1971 would be identified and deported, and political and economic autonomy for the Assamese people would be safeguarded. However, the implementation of the Assam Accord has remained contentious, and issues such as illegal immigration continue to shape Assam’s political discourse.
3. The Bodo Movement:
The Bodos are an indigenous ethnic group primarily living in the Bodoland region of Assam. They have long sought greater political autonomy and recognition of their distinct identity.
- The Formation of Bodo Autonomy Movements:
- The Bodo Students’ Union (BSU) and the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) led the demand for a separate Bodo state in the early 1980s. The Bodo movement was fueled by the desire to preserve Bodo culture and language, as well as address the economic and political underrepresentation of the Bodo people.
- The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR):
- The movement gained momentum, leading to the creation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in 2003, which provided a degree of autonomy to the Bodo-majority areas within Assam. However, the demand for a separate state remained alive. The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) agreement in January 2020 resulted in the creation of a new autonomous region with enhanced political rights and financial resources for the Bodo people.
4. The Manipuri Movement:
Manipur, a state in North-East India, has been a hotbed of ethnic movements due to the state’s complex demographic composition. The Manipuri movement is largely centered around the demands of ethnic groups like the Meitei and Kuki, as well as the broader issue of the preservation of indigenous identity.
- The Meitei Struggle for Autonomy:
- The Meitei community, which forms the majority in the valley of Manipur, has been at the forefront of the state’s ethnic movements. Their demands have included greater political autonomy, the protection of their cultural identity, and economic development. The Meitei insurgent groups, such as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), have also fought for the secession of Manipur from India.
- Ethnic Conflict and Insurgency:
- Manipur has also witnessed violent ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and other groups, such as the Kuki, Nagas, and other tribes in the hill districts. These ethnic tensions have led to insurgency and counterinsurgency operations in the state.
- The AFSPA Controversy:
- One of the key issues in Manipur has been the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which grants extraordinary powers to the Indian military to deal with insurgency. The act has been controversial, as it is perceived to infringe upon human rights and further exacerbate ethnic tensions.
5. The Tripura Movement:
In Tripura, the indigenous Tripuri people have engaged in ethnic movements to preserve their land, culture, and identity against the growing population of Bengali migrants who settled in the state after the partition of India and during the post-independence period.
- The Indigenous Rights Movement:
- The Tripuri people’s movement, led by groups like the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), has sought greater political autonomy and recognition of their cultural and linguistic rights. The demand for a separate state of “Twipraland” was a central aspect of the ethnic mobilization.
- The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC):
- In response to these demands, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) was created in 1982, providing some degree of self-governance to the indigenous population. However, the increasing influence of non-tribal populations continues to fuel tensions and the desire for greater autonomy.
Conclusion:
Ethnic movements in North-East India are a result of the region’s complex ethnic composition and its long history of political and cultural marginalization. These movements have been driven by a need for autonomy, identity preservation, and greater political and economic rights. While some movements, such as the Naga and Bodo movements, have resulted in agreements providing autonomy, others, like the Manipuri and Tripura movements, continue to demand greater recognition and rights. The Indian state’s response to these movements has been a mixture of dialogue, military intervention, and policy reforms. The future of ethnic movements in North-East India depends on finding a balance between autonomy for ethnic groups and national unity.