NORTH EAST : Perceptions Can Be Deceptive
Perception is a process by which human beings interpret sensory information to form a meaningful understanding of world.Our attention should not be selective. Often these are not only subjective but deceptive as well. A single negative experience can lead to a biased perception of an issue. It may be true also when”mainline”countrymen perceive a reality of “marginal” North East.
In 1985, I read an article on Sikkim in Frontline. A Union Minister was quoted thus : “When I visit Nepal next, I will come to Sikkim”. In a few Central Government meetings, they would be on the verge of winding up without listening to the Chief Minister, Sikkim & a few others. When reminded, very little time would be assigned. Sometimes undersigned would be shown as having represented Assam or Tripura on record.
In 2022, Delhi Government gave an advertisement for filling some temporary posts. One of the specifications was : “Subjects” of Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan could apply.
As if this was not enough, Dr. Ajay Kumar, Ex-IPS, former M.P. and Spokesman of Congress has stated that neighbouring “countries” of Sikkim, Bangladesh and Nepal were “showing eyes to India”, though they had gained from India.
Recently Sikkim observed the golden jubilee of its statehood but it did not figure anywhere at national level.
One may say that concerned individuals did not check basic facts and that their utterances resulted from a mistake out of a particular thinking and system.These were not slip of tongue.
The North East Region(NER) is ignored and marginalised, time and again in this way and simple people of the region either tolerate or ignore such statements.
Seven states, viz, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland & Tripura together were known as Seven Sisters. For their rapid development, North-Eastern Council (NEC) was set up in 1972. Sikkim was inducted as 8th member as a special case, without insisting on the criterion of geographical contiguity. All the 8 states, now known as”Astalaxmi” are INTEGRAL part of Indian union.
While Arunachal Pradesh is known as Land of Rising Sun, Nagaland is called Switzerland of East, Meghalaya is considered Scotland of India and Assam is called State of Tea Gardens.
While Nagaland agreed to be part of India in 1962, Mizoram and Manipur were carved out from Assam in 1972. Thereafter, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh became separate states. Shillong was the combined capital till Gauhati became the capital of Assam. Once Gauhati had a High Court to cater to 7 states till Imphal and other High Courts came into being. Sikkim had a High Court of its own right from the beginning.
Largest state is Arunachal Pradesh, while Sikkim is smallest in terms of area as also population.
In terms of literacy, three states of the North East figure in the top ten states of the country. Mizoram leads the table by having 98.2% literacy.While Tripura with 93.7% literacy holds third rank, Sikkim is close by.
People of the region are environment loving.They take good care of their surroundings.It is apparent from the forest cover in the range of 85.71 % to 73.68 % in respect of Mizoram, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura.
North East is known for its peace & amity, mesmerizing beauty, diverse dialects & languages, culture, unique customs, simple people, rich bio- diversity, hydel power potential, lush green forests, mountains, lakes, waterfalls and rivers. A slow drive anywhere could be very refreshing.
When it comes to poverty & prosperity, Meghalaya is the poorest while Sikkim with Per Capita Income of Rs 7 lakh 7 thousand & 18 is the richest State. Incidentally, Sikkim’s Per Capita Income is higher than that of Goa & Karnataka.
TURNING POINT
NER has been historically an ignored and neglected region, looked after by a Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs even when NEC came to the scene. It is a regional planning & execution body for socio-economic development of 8 states.
A couple of PSU’s of NEC, such as, NEDFI, NERAMAC, NEEPCO are nothing but white elephants.
Traditionally the Governor of Assam would Chair its meetings. Later it was headed by Union Home Minister, then downgraded to Minister, DoNer and again command was shifted to Home Minister. Its Annual and sometimes 6 monthly sessions neither create any interest nor leave any noticeable impact.
NEC came out with an ambitious NEC VISION 2020 document but it could not be felt in any of the states.Vision will succeed in the event of clear visibility on part of key stakeholders. If North East is seen with a tinted vision or perspective, either things are Not possible or they tend to get delayed.
Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNer)
It started as a Department of Government of India in 2001 and became a Ministry in 2004. Now it is headed by a Cabinet Minister. Frequent changes of Ministers and Secretaries, however, baffles and confuses people of North East. Except for one or two Ministers and Secretaries, it is a time pass phenomenon.
According to latest information,1643 projects have been funded by the Ministry at a cost of Rs.16,367 Crores.
A non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) was created in the Planning Commission in 1998 by unspent portions of 10% earmarked for N.E. region in the budget of Central Ministries. As the process for considering schemes was very slow, it was shifted to the Department of DoNer in 2001. Idea was to fill up critical gaps in the infrastructure sector by taking up projects Prioritized by 8 states. It was on a funding pattern of 90 : 10 between Centre and State. Fund used to be released in 3 instalments of 40 : 40 : 20, based on progress furnished to the Ministry. As it became another source of mismanagement & corruption, guidelines of NLCPR were changed in 2016. A State Level Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary of State was formed and the funding pattern was also changed to 40 : 60.
North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) was launched in December 2017 in place of NLCPR as a Central Sector Scheme.
P.M.-DevINE
Prime Minister’s Development Initiative For N.E.Region, a new scheme was launched in 2022-23 as a 100% Central Sector Scheme with an initial outlay of Rs 1500 Crores.To begin with, 35 projects in all 8 states were approved for a sum of Rs 4857.11 Crores upto 30th November, 2024. These are to be completed in two to three years time.
To Sum Up, there has never been a dearth of funds for N.E. region, what blocks the way is tardy implementation, liberal monitoring and lack of fresh ideas to tap vast human & physical resources.
ISSUES & CHALLENGES
Connectivity
Once, for going to some Districts of Arunachal Pradesh, one had to take a detour through Assam. For going to a few areas of Meghalaya also, one had to cover a long distance through Assam.
Situation, however, has improved over the years.
In addition to better and all weather wide roads, all states are well connected by air from Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi but inter-capital connectivity is lacking. Also there is rail link everywhere, except Sikkim, wherein it is likely to be completed by 2027.
Dibrugarh in Assam is already connected to a long waterway from Benaras through Bangladesh. But hostile developments in Bangladesh since 2024 have halted bus and train services from North East and West Bengal, earlier passing through it. One can imagine the inconvenience factor apart from increased fare and time taken.
Natural Calamities
Natural hazards, such as, Flood, Landslide, Cloud burst, Heavy Rainfall, etc. are perpetual threats in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Sikkim.
Due to landslides and occasional flash floods, Sikkim, Kalimpong and Darjeeling get disconnected during Monsoon, sometimes for a week or ten days at a stretch. An alternative to N.H.-10 is under construction for over 8 years but one does not know its likely date of completion. This grey area needs to be addressed quickly.
Perpetual Challenges from Foreigners & Outsiders
These are experienced very distinctly in most of the states bordering foreign countries. The Assam situation has been more than grim for over three decades. In some of its Districts, Bangladeshis have already outnumbered the local population. Manipur does not have a border with Bangladesh, yet Bangladeshis have influence over the state. Such influence is also seen in Meghalaya and Sikkim. 390 kms of border of Manipur with Myanmar, as such, brings many complications due to regular influx of drugs and illegal migrants.
Role of Christian Missionaries
Christian Missionaries from Europe were encouraged by the British Indian Government to work in Nagaland and Mizoram in the beginning of 20th Century to cajole people and also carry out conversions. As they seem to have mingled well with local tribal bodies, apart from conversions, they also exercise influence over planning and implementation of Government schemes. It results in a tardy and poor implementation process and maybe, duplication.
Informal Trade
This kind of unauthorised trade often of Barter kind, with neighbouring countries has been going on in border states for ages. No Government can stop it. Apart from goods of daily use, drugs also get exchanged which puts Central Para Military Forces, State Police and Army on tenterhooks.
Drug Addiction & Suicide cases
Such cases are reported off and on, almost everywhere. Suicide cases generally have same origins as elewhere. The drug cartels not only operate on Indian side but they are in regular contact with their counterparts in Myanmar and Bangladesh and penetrating right upto Laos.Opium is openly grown by Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur. Drugs originating from Manipur are very often found in Delhi and Northern towns.
No dowry demands are seen in any of the states and better respect for women in general are the positive points.
Corruption and Silent Extortion
It is seen, rather happening in many states.This has become an accepted part of life and people have no option but to get used to it. Payments have to be made to officers and staff regularly to get even routine work done. Exemption from payment of Central Income Tax given selectively in the region, therefore, needs to be reviewed on Top Priority. Phenomenon of easy money has to stop at some point of time.
Insurgency & Remnants of Insurgency
Mizoram
Historic pact of Mizoram with Government of India in 1988 has resulted in making Mizoram the most peaceful and progressive state. However, pro-Myanmar activities of some Mizo politicians do cause concern. It was the only state to have got a one time Peace Bonus of Rs 20 Crores from Planning Commission.
Nagaland
It was afflicted with insurgency for a long time before agreeing to be part of the Indian Union in 1962. Core demand of insurgents has been a unified Naga homeland incorporating Naga inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. Their ultimate aim was secession of Naga territories from India.
Naga National Council set up in 1945 spearheaded the movement with tough and obstinate leaders like A.Z.Phizo. They have indulged in armed clashes, underground governments and military operations against country’s security forces.
In 1980, a new outfit called National Socialist Council of Nagaland (N.S.C.N.) was formed which broke into two factions in 1989, namely, NSCN (Khaplang) and NSCN (I-Muivah). Though a Cease fire was reached with NSCN (I-Muivah) in 1997, the final solution remains elusive. Extortion and misuse of Government fund continues.
Incidentally, Muivah, the prominent Naga leader of NSCN, who mostly resides comfortably in London, belongs to Tangkhul Naga tribe of Ukhrul District of Manipur.
When Nagaland is peaceful for 28 years, Do We Require an Interlocutor ?
Bodoland
Demand for a separate state of Bodoland to be carved out of Assam is also fairly old. Bodos are a major plains tribe residing in five northern Districts of Assam, namely, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur. They have been demanding a separate state. Student organisations and National Democratic Front of Bodoland, headed by Ranjan Daimary spearheaded the movement. First agreement was reached between them and the Union of India in 1993, which led to formation of Bodo Autonomous Council under the 6th Schedule. Not satisfied with it, Bodos wished to accelerate development works while preserving their ethnic Identity. Hence, another agreement was signed with the Government of India in 2003, leading to formation of Bodoland Territorial Council. In 2020, signing of a fresh agreement ensured enhanced executive and legislative powers to BTC.
Current Crisis of MANIPUR
Ever since it attained statehood in 1972, Manipur has seen imposition of President’s Rule thirteen times. Present spell began on 13th February 2025 to tackle the uncertainty resulting from resignation of N.Biren Singh as Chief Minister on 9th February. It was to be extended for another six months on July 25.
Manipur is a multi-cultural society but ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribes are not new.
Present crisis that began in May 2023 has claimed the lives of over 260 persons and sixty thousand people have been displaced.
The Valley of Imphal is inhabited by Meiteis, the majority group. Kuki-Zo, their arch rivals and Nagas live on 9 hills. No headway is being made on dialogue between Meiteis and Kukis. While latter has welcomed President’s Rule, the former sees it as an act of unjustified intervention. It has been learnt that mutual suspicion and historical grievances always come in the way of a dialogue.
DRUG cartels are very active in the state, having links with individuals in Myanmar which shares 390 kms of border with Manipur. Both Meiteis and Kukis also do not refrain from cultivating Opium, which fetches high prices.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had begun a war on drugs but eventually had to stop the operations.To stop such cultivation, people in general have to be taken into confidence.
Besides, illegal arms are abundant with youth of both Meitei and Kuki groups. 6,500 arms and over 600,000 pieces of ammunition have been looted from Police armouries since May, 2023. While these are used in conflicts against each other, these are also used for extortion by unemployed youth, while some have been found dumped in fields and jungles.
The Governor of state has extended the deadline for surrender of arms twice together with Amnesty but these offers have no meaning for those interested in carrying forward armed conflict.
To maintain peace, Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been clamped in many Districts. But that day is still far away when normalcy can return.
Armed Forces Special Power Act
Allegations of misuse of this Act against civilians continue to be a Bone of Contention between Government and opposition parties on the one hand & between Government and Civil society, on the other in many parts of North East.
Looting & Extortion on a large scale in some pockets viz, Manipur is a cause of concern. Common man is always the sufferer.
Youth of NER
North East youth have proved their mettle from time to time. Many actors and sportspersons have gone ahead, viz, Danny, Mary Kom, Bhaichung Bhutia, S.Mirabai Chanu, Tarundip Rai, etc.
Standard of spoken English is very good, rather praiseworthy in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram & Sikkim. It can be a solid asset for the IT and Hospitality sectors. Remaining Youth do have talent but same being latent, needs manifestation.
Outside Officers
It is not that they are disliked. Honesty, sincerity and getting good intentioned policies do pay. But their habit to proceed on Central deputation frequently needs discouragement.
Gegong Apang, former C.M. of Arunachal Pradesh had remarked long ago :
“Don’t Send Suitcase Bureaucrats From Delhi.”
There is no dearth of money in the North East. Problems come with TOO much money from various Central Ministries. Many a time, schemes are imposed with a view to fulfill national targets. This shall have to be discouraged forthwith.
TAILPIECE
North East Should Not Be Seen With A Preconceived and Misconceived Notion. Reality Is To Be Seen As It Is.
(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)
