What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

Northeast peace processes operate amid ethnic diversity, porous borders, historical grievances, migration pressures and uneven state capacity.

Security and peace challenges

• Competing territorial and identity claims among communities create cycles of mobilisation and violence.
• Insurgent groups, extortion, arms flows and difficult terrain strain policing and development.
• Unresolved demands for autonomy, rehabilitation, disarmament and representation can fragment agreements.
• Migration, citizenship concerns, border disputes, drug trafficking and misinformation intensify insecurity.
• Delays in implementation, factional splits and trust deficits weaken peace dividends.

Major accords and agreements

• 2015: Framework Agreement with the NSCN (IM) initiated a political dialogue on the Naga issue.
• 2020: Bodo Accord with representatives of NDFB and others led to disarmament, rehabilitation and strengthened institutional arrangements in Bodoland.
• 2020: Bru-Reang resettlement agreement enabled permanent settlement of displaced Brus in Tripura.
• 2022: Assam–ULFA pro-talks settlement addressed development and rehabilitation for the pro-talk faction.
• 2023: agreements with the Dimasa National Liberation Army and allied groups, and with tribal groups in Tripura, advanced surrender and autonomy-related provisions.
• 2024: Tripura peace agreement with armed tribal groups sought rehabilitation, cultural protection and development.

Way forward

Implement accords transparently, involve women and civil society, secure borders humanely, protect customary rights and measure peace by jobs, justice and service delivery.

Keywords: ethnic aspirations, autonomy, rehabilitation, ceasefire, Sixth Schedule, peace dividend.