Q19. 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.
Possible Introductions
Contextual framing:
The North-East, comprising 8 states and sharing over 5,000 km of international borders, has long faced insurgency, ethnic divisions, and boundary disputes. Since 2014, insurgency incidents have fallen by over 70% and civilian deaths by over 80%, reflecting a decisive shift from conflict to peace.
Current affairs framing:
Recent peace pacts with groups like ULFA (2023), UNLF (2023), and TIPRA (2024) highlight the government’s sustained push for reconciliation, even as challenges remain in Nagaland and Manipur.
Comparative framing:
Unlike earlier decades dominated by military responses, today’s approach combines peace accords, AFSPA withdrawals, and development integration to build durable peace.
Directive Analysis
“Challenges” → identify insurgency, ethnic strife, narco-trafficking, border disputes, governance gaps.
“Map accords” → list key accords 2014–2024, with their scope and significance.
Body of the Answer
A) Major Challenges to Internal Security and Peace
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- Ethnic violence & identity conflicts: The Meitei–Kuki-Zo clashes in Manipur (2023–24) underline unresolved ethnic tensions that strain existing accords.
- Residual insurgency & splinter groups: While most militant groups have joined talks, outfits like ULFA (I) and some Naga factions remain outside, complicating full normalisation.
- Cross-border linkages: Porous borders with Myanmar enable insurgent movement, narcotics trade, and refugee inflows, undermining peace.
- Inter-state disputes: Long-standing border disagreements (e.g., Assam–Meghalaya, Assam–Arunachal) have historically triggered violence.
- Governance gaps & development deficits: Weak infrastructure, unemployment, and limited state capacity risk alienating local populations.
X-Factor: AFSPA has been progressively rolled back—fully from Tripura (2015) and Meghalaya (2018), and partially from Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh—signalling improved security.
B) Peace Accords and Agreements (2014–2024)
1. Insurgent group peace accords
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- ANVC Accord (2014, Meghalaya): Disbanding of ANVC groups; over 750 cadres surrendered.
- NLFT (SD) Accord (2019, Tripura): Surrender of 88 cadres; reintegration into mainstream.
- Bodo Accord (2020, Assam): Creation of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR); over 1,600 cadres of NDFB laid down arms.
- Bru–Reang Agreement (2020, Tripura): Permanent settlement of 37,000 displaced Brus in Tripura, ending a 23-year refugee crisis.
- Karbi Anglong Accord (2021, Assam): Over 1,000 cadres surrendered; greater autonomy and development package announced.
- Adivasi Accord (2022, Assam): Eight Adivasi/tea tribe groups laid down arms; long-standing grievances addressed.
- Dimasa Accord (2023, Assam): DNLA/DPSC cadres surrendered; insurgency in Dima Hasao district formally ended.
- UNLF Accord (2023, Manipur): First valley-based Manipuri group to sign peace pact, renouncing violence and embracing democratic process.
- ULFA Accord (2023, Assam): Historic pact with ULFA (pro-talks faction); group disbanded in 2024.
- NLFT & ATTF Accord (2024, Tripura): Nearly 900 cadres surrendered; ending decades of insurgency.
- TIPRA Accord (2024, Tripura): Tripartite pact with TIPRA Motha addressing indigenous rights, land, culture, and political aspirations.
2. Ceasefire/Suspension of Operations
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- Framework Agreement with NSCN (IM) (2015): Recognised Naga identity, though final settlement still pending.
- Ceasefires with NSCN(R), NSCN(NK), NSCN(K-Khango), and NSCN(K-Niki): Extended up to 2025; >200 cadres joined the peace process.
- ZUF Accord (2022, Manipur): Cessation of Operations agreement; group joined mainstream.
3. Inter-state boundary agreements
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- Assam–Meghalaya MoU (2022): Resolved 6 of 12 areas of dispute (~65% settlement achieved).
- Assam–Arunachal Pradesh Agreement (2023): Resolved disputes in 123 villages; both states agreed to final settlement.
Possible Conclusions
Future-oriented:
Consolidating gains now requires finalising the Naga accord, sustaining Manipur reconciliation, and securing porous Myanmar borders against arms and narcotics.
Policy-oriented:
Linking peace accords with socio-economic development, skilling, and trust-building will ensure insurgency does not re-emerge.
Philosophical:
The North-East’s journey shows that peace is not merely the absence of insurgency but the presence of justice, dignity, and opportunity.
