Insurgency across the eastern frontier

What is the issue?

• Increasingly, co-operation among various militant groups has been noted in the north-eastern region.
• This, combined with the porous boundary along Myanmar increases the challenge of effectively controlling these groups.

Why is the North-eastern region prone to insurgency?

• The seven sister states are predominantly tribal with some states having more than 90% tribal populations.
• The forest laws since the British times became intrusive & drastically affected their livelihoods & culture.
• The diversity within even small territories proved to be difficult to accommodate within the same political administration.
• This led to numerous demands, ranging from more autonomy to complete independence. 
• The Bengali migration from present day Bangladesh to the north-east during 1947 & later has also added considerable resentment, that has shown up both in electoral & militant modes. 

What are some of the prominent militant groups in the north–east?

• NSCM - Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland, was formed to advance the Naga cause fro sovereignty.
• This organisation has operations in the Naga inhabited regions of India & Myanmar, with easy cross border access.
• This group has had major splits. Issac-Muivah faction (NSCN – IM) is currently involved in peace talks with the Indian government, while the Kaplang faction with its major operations in Myanmar is designated as a terror outfit by India.  
• ULFA - The United Liberation Front of Assam is operating to establish a sovereign Assam through an armed struggle.
• The Indian government banned it in 1990s & a severe crackdown was launched in 2010, which considerably brought down their numbers.
• Some other organisations of significance are Mizo National Front and National Liberation Front of Tripura.

What is the current situtation?

• Insurgency-related fatalities in the north-east had indeed reached a 20-year low in 2016, suggesting that a degree of peace and stability being restored.
• The peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN – IM also appeared to hold firm.
• Also, the already existing ceasefires with other groups have been extended for another year.
• However, substantial challenges remain in confronting the remaining non-ceasefire signatory groups such as ULFA – I, NSCN-K and the CorCom umbrella group.
• These groups have increasingly shifted their strategies towards the conduct of cross-border strikes in areas adjacent to the international border.
• They are also increasingly carrying out co-ordinated attacks on the Indian defence establishments now.
• They are an indication of increasing desperation due to the success of counter insurgency actions.

What are significance of the Myanmar border?

• The Sagaing region across the India-Myanmar border has long provided sanctuary for armed groups, while simultaneously offering opportunities for networking and operational coordination.
• NSCN-K signed a ceasefire agreement with Myanmar in 2012.
• As it attempts to retain operational relevance in India, the areas of India in proximity to Myanmar along the border districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur & Nagaland has attained a newfound significance.
• Since the NSCN-K abrogated its 14-year ceasefire agreement with the Indian government in April 2015, the group has conducted major attacks in conjunction with its allies from within these networks.
• e.g the ambush on an Indian Army convoy in Manipur’s Chandel district.

How can the issue be addressed?

• Two governments are considering deepening cooperation in checking the misuse of the 16 km visa-free zone on either side of the international border.
• Furthermore, the use of cross-border “surgical strikes,” such as those conducted in the immediate aftermath of the Chandel ambush can be considered.
• Local support is important to intercept incoming parties of NSCN–K, ULFA–I and other allied militants.
• Offers for rehabilitation to NSCN–K militants of Indian origin were announced recently, which is a positive move.

Source: ISDA