What are the determinants of insurgency in the north-eastern region of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas?

2nd ARC notes that North East is in a state of 'stable anarchy' due to the insurgencies seen in the region. With 3.6% land, 7% population and 400+ ethnic groups, the region is complex.

Determinants of Insurgency

(A) Colonial legacy →

1. Artificial borders and segregation i.e NEFA (North East frontier agency).
2. Divide and Rule policy → of utilizing various tribes and communities for economic gain.

(B) Developmental Deficit →

1. Ignored by mainland due to geographical

distance. 2) lack of self governance

1. Corruption and leakages in scheme implement-ation and execution.

[C] Ethnic factors

1. Division on basis of tribes, religion, ethnicity seen as zero sum → Kuki-Meitei

2. Influx of immigrants → Major cause of hostilities → Assam Student Union's movement against Bangladeshi immigrants.

[D] International Support → → China, Myanmar proximity, arms and training etc.

Strategy to adopt to counter threat →

[A] Government of India →

1. Peace treaties by dialogue → Bodoland Peace treaty.

2. WHAM → winning hearts and mind strategy though genuine interventions.

3. Stopping influx of immigrants → Bilateral treaties.

4. Developmental special economic package ↳ North East Council.

[B] Civil Administration →

1. Recognizing local self governance powers ↳ Autonomous district council (6th schedule)

2. Ensuring implementation of schemes, benefits on grounds (Development as solution).

3. Stopping of ideological indoctrination.

[C] Security forces →

1. Balance use of force and intelligence ↳ Surrender cum rehab strategy

2. Curb influx of immigrants, external influence ↳ Golden Δ of drugs

3. Prevent excessive force in AFSPA areas.