The North- East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region. (10 Marks)

Insurgency in the North-East survives through an interaction of historical grievances, difficult terrain, weak state capacity, cross-border sanctuaries and local political economies.

Reasons

• Perceived ethnic marginalisation, identity insecurity, resource disputes and demands for autonomy.
• Porous international borders, rugged terrain and safe havens facilitate movement and arms flows.
• Underdevelopment, unemployment, poor connectivity and uneven implementation of accords sustain alienation.
• Extortion, arms and narcotics networks finance groups; factionalism reproduces armed mobilisation.
• Heavy-handed operations, human-rights concerns and delayed justice can deepen distrust.

Way forward

Combine calibrated security action with dialogue, accountable governance, inclusive development, border cooperation, rehabilitation and effective implementation of peace accords.

Keywords: North-East India; insurgency; border management.