Though ethnic fault lines are a major threat, security challenges in the North-East are not confined to the same. Discuss the statement with special reference to Manipur.

i) Ethnic fault lines -

• North east has been a region of rich cultural diversity
• e.g. - issues between Nagas, and Bodos.
• Meitis and Kukis (Manipur)

ii) Lack of communication to mainstream

• Siliguri corridor being major passage connecting mainstream and north east.

iii) Porous borders with neighbours eg - Indo Bangladesh borders - Assam

• Indo Myanmar - Rohingya issue.

iv) Lack of development

• North east has been less developed than mainstream.
• low infrastructure, roads, etc

v) International organised crimes - eg - arms supplies from Myanmar

• Arunachal security - China's intrusions

The recent issue in Manipur has been due to i) historical issues between Meities and Kukis ii) demand for reservation and status by kukis iii) colonial legacy faultlines.

The situation at North east can be resolved through -

i) Development of backward regions

• eg - Naney bridge Manipur

ii) Stakeholder approach towards peace talks eg - NSCN talks not fully realised

iii) Implementation of Responsibility to Protect using border security eg - Assam Rifles deployment to prevent conflict in Manipur

iv) Bilateral efforts eg - Operation Sunrise

North east insurgency and conflicts can be better managed by increasing civic participation and peace talks to underscore development.