An Inchoate Paradise

Disenchantment with Indian identity has spurred insurgency in ravishingly beautiful North East India.   

North East India! How does it feel to be referred in such an expansive way and clubbed together as if there is no unique identity? This is crux of the problem. How many people of India can recollect names of states inhabiting north east part of India? It would take a highly informed person to name the states and their capital cities. In a first of its kind survey by North East India Image Managers (NEIim), a voluntary group of communication professionals, it was found that 87% of working professionals can't name all the states in this region. Almost 52% of people had a negative image about this region perceiving it to be underdeveloped and plagued with insurgency. If this is the perception of people who have access to all means of media imagine the awareness level of the common masses.

Crucible of Insurgency

Analysts have been going on and on about the two main internal security threats that India currently faces religious extremism and left wing extremism. This is apt because of impact and reach of these blights to affect large parts of our country. A nation enamoured with numbers we are completely oblivious to the trials and tribulations being faced by North East parts of India. Currently various insurgent outfits operate in seven north eastern states which are referred to as Seven Sisters of North East India. This region is the melting pot where migrants from South East Asia settled in search of livelihood and fertile land. These states along with recent addition of Sikkim constitute about 7% of India’s area and only about 3.8% of India’s total population. Siliguri corridor in West Bengal state a narrow strip of land about 200 km long and width varying between 30 km and 60 km connects this region to the Indian mainland. It shares its borders with countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, China Myanmar and Nepal. People inhabiting these states are of Mongoloid descent and look different from average Indian making the assimilation challenging. With almost 220 ethnic groups comprising of 160 different tribes & an equal number of languages makes this one of most diverse region in the world. Geographical isolation strengthened the belief of a step motherly treatment and people here developed angst against the Indian State. Hilly terrain & inaccessibility of large tracts of land led to less development. As a result more than 80 % of the population lives in rural areas which is far more than the national average? People were sceptical with the notion of a unified state hence harboured a tendency to seek independence. Varied population mix comprising of various tribes, ethnicity & religions contributed to emergence of groups which championed a particular class of people. These groups either fought amongst themselves for dominance or waged a war against the Indian State. Things were compounded due to migration from other regions like in Tripura where Bengali settlers arrived in huge numbers or in Assam where migration happened mostly from Bangladesh. Currently insurgents are active in the states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura. Sparse population translating into minute vote bank the region has traditionally occupied less mind space of the Indian Government. This contributed to emergence of identity politics sometimes violently espoused by insurgent groups.

Exotic Discrimination

Due to recurring insurgency and less development people from this region travelled across the country in search of livelihood and employment. Besides large numbers of students go to major cities to pursue better education. The people are hardworking and conscientious, willing to accept challenging job prospects. They are mostly found in the service industry right from air hostesses to running their own beauty parlours and restaurants. Not to mention many of them excelling in sports, media and other professions. But it is still a long haul because even today due to their facial features these people are routinely discriminated. They are maliciously referred as “Chinese” or by the more derogatory term “Chinki”. This ethnic slur became so widespread that the Government had to recently bring it under the ambit of Prevention of Atrocities Act. Women from this region are most vulnerable and are exposed to heightened risk of molestation and rape. Surprisingly many Indians attribute “loose morals” to women from here which is not only reprehensible but exposes a deviant mindset. According to a report by North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH) almost 78% of the North East population in the city of Delhi has been exposed to various forms of harassment, molestation and hate crimes. The situation may not be that alarming in other cities of India but widespread discrimination does exist and has to be acknowledged. This took an ugly turn in the aftermath of Assam riots in July 2012 that broke out between indigenous Bodo people and Muslim settlers. These riots created a fear psychosis among north eastern people residing in other cities and anticipating violent reprisals sparked an exodus. Bangalore city witnessed maximum exodus of almost 35,000 people and smaller numbers fled from other cities like Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad. Intermittent violence and harassment in their daily lives caused this underlying fear to be amplified resulting in the flight of people back to their homes. On one hand it represents a failure of law and order machinery to tackle hate crime creating a feeling of being an unwanted alien. On the other hand it represents failing of our social mores to respect diversity and accord basic courtesy to a fellow human being.          

Union of Minds

          

These people need simple acceptance as Indians and not to be discriminated against as if they are aliens. Needless to say respect of fellow human beings is a pre requisite for building a harmonious national identity. This is not a difficult proposition for the just cause of national integration and can be achieved with implementation of few positive steps which are need of the hour.

Awareness: As succinctly put by Ms. Binalakshmi Neparam founder of Manipur Gun Survivors Network an organization rehabilitating women whose lives have been affected by the armed conflict and tries to alleviate their trauma and suffering http://www.womensurvivorsnetwork.org/ “I studied history for 5 years, but there was not a single chapter on the history of the North East” Dissemination of information through education, media and government will create awareness about our own brethren in the remote north eastern part. Isn’t it surprising that Indians are aware about the various freedom fighters from the mainland but can’t name one freedom fighter from the North East. The truly inspiring story of Rani Gaidinliu who plunged into freedom struggle at the tender age of 13 is hardly known to Indians. She was imprisoned for life at the age of 16 and got freedom only when India became independent in 1947. Similarly the brave teenager Kanaklata Barua fondly called “Birbala” was shot dead while leading a peaceful procession during the Quit India movement of 1942. Like these brave girls there are other freedom fighters that are still unknown to the majority of people. This can be addressed by incorporating special chapters on North East’s contribution in the field of history, arts and culture in schools and colleges. Media also needs to sensitize itself to special requirements of this region and not gloss over them like another piece of statistic. Equal prominence has to be given to pressing problems of this region rather than focussing only on the mainland and major metros. Flooded Mumbai or Delhi in monsoon elicits wide coverage in national dailies and prime time television. Conversely the entire Brahmaputra valley flooded for days together goes unnoticed. Government communication is a powerful tool which has resonance all across the country. Aspects of cultural diversity and rich heritage of this region needs to be amplified time and again to generate a feeling of belongingness.

Infrastructure: Special emphasis needs to be given to infrastructure development in this geographically diverse region. Government has set up the Central Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council (NEC). However sustained efforts are required for efficient utilization of funds for socio economic development without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. Community way of life and respect for nature is ingrained in these parts and development policies have to take cognizance of this reality. Development in isolation without considering the local factors will spell death knell of the rare biodiversity of this region.  As per the 2004 National Common Minimum Programme of Government of India http://www.pmindia.nic.in “The Government is determined to tackle terrorism, militancy and insurgency in the northeast as a matter of urgent national priority. All northeastern states will be given special assistance to upgrade and expand infrastructure. The Northeastern Council will be strengthened and given adequate professional support.” Intent of the Government is there but even after a decade the efforts have not fructified because of ineffective implementation of the policies meant for accelerated development. It must be emphasized that infrastructure and economic development are the key to ushering in peace and stability in this region.

Law and order: Being perceived as aliens in your own country not only creates anguish but can be very disconcerting also. Police administration has to take an impartial stand in dealing with racial crimes. Delay in investigating such cases not only weakens resolve of the victims but also emboldens the accused. Minor incidents if left lingering create a fear psychosis which ultimately results in the exodus that happened recently. Legal redress and timely guidance for tackling hate crimes will foster a secured social environment. The formation of the North East Support Centre & Helpline in Delhi is step in the right direction. It provides help to all victims of sexual and racial harassment. It assists students and others from North East region by providing them with counselling and legal help in fighting discrimination.

                                  

Security: All aspects even development of this region is viewed through the prism of security threat perception. The fact that it has an international border in excess of 5,400 km while being connected to Indian mainland by mere strip of 30 km the geo political significance of this area is not lost on anyone. This unenviable position of a land locked region surrounded by neighbours who are not on the best of terms with India need not deter us from evaluating options for securing peace. Application of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which gives sweeping powers to Armed Forces and inhibits citizen rights has further alienated the people. Mention must be made of a peaceful hunger strike undertaken by a brave Manipuri lady Irom Sharmila for more than 12 years for repeal of the AFPSA Act. It symbolizes a herculean spirit employing peaceful means to resolve armed hostilities. Unfortunately it also brings to the fore Indian Governments tepid response to such a heroic struggle. There have been various representations for repealing AFPSA Act from North East India. Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee in 2004 and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission have recommended repealing the AFSPA Act. The Act was applied to contain insurgency but a rethink needs to be done if it is more of a hindrance than a facilitator. The insurgent groups do not enjoy wide popular support among the native people. Most have graduated from being grievance redress pressure groups to ordinary criminal gangs. This law and order problem has to be tackled on a war footing with enhancement of equipped manpower and adequate infrastructure support. Local factors like inaccessible terrain, hostile neighbouring countries, and international no man’s land must be considered while formulating a broad strategy to counter insurgent threats. Ground realities of this region are palpably different from Jammu & Kashmir where popular sentiment does exist for idea of independence whereas people here are more than willing to be a part of Indian mainstream.

Political representation: Smaller states with sparse population mean less representation at the national level. As a consequence the political class have failed to effectively put forward their case. Barring a few exceptions the leaders from this region are hardly known at the national level. Lack of political will has exacerbated this problem to the extent that people are disillusioned with the political leadership. Efforts should be made by Central Government to involve capable leaders from this region in nation building process so that they are nationally recognized. It will generate a sense of pride and self respect not only in the leaders but also in the people. This is bound to eliminate apprehension in the minds of people that they are not part of the national mainstream. When due respect is accorded the process of integrating minds will be hastened.   

Paradise regained

Imagine an area which is lush green with vegetation amidst the undulating hills overlooking the mighty Himalayas. Endowed with rich flora & fauna and having forests spanning across the range from tropical, temperate to the alpine. With its diverse culture & unique lifestyle this region can become a veritable traveller’s paradise. This Eden on earth is waiting for just the opportune moment to bloom like a “red vanda” one of the rare and beautiful orchids found here. Its high time genuine efforts are made to allay the apprehension and bring back the prodigal daughters of North East within the Indian fold.