Transforming Ashtalakshmi: How peace has returned to North East in last 10 years

The North East region of India, comprising eight States – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura – holds a unique position in the country. With its rich cultural diversity, stunning landscapes and strategic location bordering Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, the region has immense potential. However, for decades, it has been plagued by insurgency, underdevelopment and internal conflicts, hindering its growth and stability and decades of negligence by previous Central Governments.

Historical Context

Since India’s Independence in 1947, North East has been a sensitive and troubled region. The complex interplay of historical grievances, ethnic tensions and geographical isolation has fuelled insurgency movements and hindered development efforts. Each State within the region has its own distinct history and identity, further complicating efforts to address the challenges it faces. However, due to a lack of attention from the Centre, problems within the region only grew with time.

Initiatives for Peace & Prosperity

Since the formation of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi in 2014, the Central Government has made concerted efforts to bring about peace, progress and prosperity to the North East. Recognising the need to address the root causes of conflict and underdevelopment, the Government has outlined three core objectives for the region:

Preserving Cultural Heritage: North East is home to a diverse array of cultures, languages and traditions. The Government is committed to preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, making it a source of pride and attraction for people across India. This is one of the major reasons why PM Modi has been successful in gaining the trust of the people of the region.

Resolving Disputes: Long-standing disputes, both within the region and with neighbouring States, have been a major impediment to peace and development. The Government has pursued a proactive approach to resolving these disputes through dialogue, negotiation, and diplomacy. Under the direct guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam and Meghalaya have successfully inked a border agreement to resolve the long pending disputes. Similarly, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram are in talks for a similar agreement to resolve border disputes.

Fostering Development: Economic development is essential for addressing the socio-economic challenges facing North East. The Government has prioritised investments in infrastructure, connectivity and human capital development to unlock the region’s vast potential.

Major Peace Agreements Several landmark agreements have been signed in recent years to address the root causes of conflict and bring about lasting peace in North East.

Bodo Accord: The Bodo Accord, signed on January 27, 2020, marked a historic turning point in the decades-long struggle for peace and autonomy in Assam. Since the 1960s, the Bodos and other tribes of Assam had clamoured for a separate State, leading to intermittent violence and unrest in the region. The demand for Bodoland gained momentum in the late 1980s, accompanied by calls for a “50-50” division of Assam. This protracted conflict took a heavy toll on the lives and livelihoods of the people of Assam. However, after years of negotiations and dialogue, the signing of the Bodo Accord brought about a semblance of peace and stability. The surrender of 1615 cadres, along with a significant cache of arms and ammunition, symbolised a commitment to lay down arms and embrace a path of reconciliation and development.

“The North east is going to become a strong link in India’s trade, tourism and other relations with South Asia and East Asia. Today, projects worth over Rs 55,000 crore have been unveiled here,” — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Bru-Reang Agreement: The Bru-Reang refugee crisis, stemming from ethnic violence in the Western part of Mizoram in October 1997, led to the displacement of a large number of minority Bru (Reang) families. Seeking refuge, these families migrated to North Tripura in 1997-1998, where they lived in makeshift camps for over two decades. The prolonged displacement took a toll on the lives and livelihoods of the Bru community, exacerbating their already precarious situation. However, on January 16, 2020, a landmark agreement was signed to address the 23-year-old crisis and facilitate the resettlement of more than 37,000 internally displaced people in Tripura. This agreement marked a significant step towards restoring the dignity and rights of the Bru community, providing them with a pathway to stability and a brighter future.

NLFT Agreement: The National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) Agreement, signed in August 2019, was a significant step towards ending insurgency in Tripura. The surrender of armed cadres and the renunciation of violence by the NLFT marked a turning point in the region’s quest for peace and development.

Karbi Anglong Agreement: The Karbi Anglong Agreement, signed on September 04, 2021, addressed the long-running dispute in the Karbi region of Assam. The agreement led to the integration of armed cadres into mainstream society and laid the foundation for peace and progress in the region.

Assam-Meghalaya Inter-State Boundary Agreement: Signed on March 29, 2022, this agreement settled the dispute over six areas of the interstate boundary between Assam and Meghalaya, resolving a longstanding source of tension and conflict between the two States. UNLF Peace Agreement: On November 30, 2023, a historic milestone was reached in Manipur’s tumultuous history of insurgency as the Central government and the Manipur administration finalised a peace agreement with a faction of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), marking the first-ever peace deal with an outfit from the Imphal valley. The signing of this agreement not only signifies a crucial step towards resolving the decades-long conflict but also highlights the willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution. The UNLF, one of the oldest insurgent groups in the North East region, shares a secessionist ideology akin to the Naga National Council, which traces back its  roots to the year 1947.

ULFA Peace Agreement: In a historic leap towards enduring peace, the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has forged a transformative alliance with the Central and Assam Governments, formally sealed through a tripartite peace accord on December 29. This momentous occasion unfolded in the presence of dignitaries such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marking the initiation of a promising chapter for the northeastern state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the historic signing, described it as a golden day and a turning point for the people of Assam. He underscored Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering commitment to narrowing the gap between Delhi and North East since 2014.

From Disturbed Area to Area of Opportunity

The transformation of North East from a disturbed area to an aspirational one is a testament to the success of the border dispute settlement agreements and peace accords. These efforts have led to a significant improvement in the security situation across the region, paving the way for peace, stability, and progress. One of the most notable achievements has been the reduction of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from a large part of North East, fulfilling a long-standing demand of North Eastern States.

In Assam, 60 per cent of the State is now free from AFSPA, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards peace and normalcy. Similarly, in Manipur, 15 police stations in six districts have been taken out of the periphery of the disturbed area, signalling a tangible improvement in the security situation. Arunachal Pradesh has seen a notable reduction in the presence of AFSPA, with the act now applicable only in three districts and two police stations in one district.

In Nagaland, the removal of the disturbed area notification from 15 police stations in seven districts has contributed to a sense of security and stability among the local population. Furthermore, in Tripura and Meghalaya, AFSPA has been completely withdrawn, reflecting the progress made in resolving conflicts and restoring peace in these states.

The reduction of AFSPA and the restoration of normalcy in the North East are significant achievements that reflect the collective efforts of the Government, security forces and local communities. By addressing the root causes of conflict and insecurity, these measures have laid the foundation for a more prosperous and peaceful future for the people of the region.

Comparing the years 2023 to 2014, there has been an astounding reduction of 86 per cent in the incidents of insurgency, signalling a substantial decline in violent activities. This remarkable progress is further evidenced by the significant decrease in casualties among security forces and civilians. The number of casualties in security forces decreased by 75 per cent, while civilian casualties decreased by a staggering 99 per cent. In 2014, there were 824 incidents of violence in North East, resulting in the tragic loss of 212 innocent civilians. However, by 2022, this number had reduced to 158 incidents, with only six civilian casualties, underscoring the remarkable improvement in the security situation.

Moreover, the voluntary surrender of militants has played a crucial role in enhancing peace and stability in the region. Over the last two years, 9,000 militants have surrendered since 2014, contributing to the overall reduction in violent incidents and creating an environment conducive to development and progress.

The decline in violent incidents and casualties represents a significant achievement in the efforts to bring about lasting peace and prosperity in North Eastern States. Between 2004 and 2014, the region witnessed a total of 11,121 violent incidents, which declined by 73 per cent to 3,114 between 2014 and 2023. Deaths among security forces dropped by 71 per cent, from 458 to 132, while civilian deaths declined by an impressive 86 per cent.

These statistics not only reflect the effectiveness of security measures but also highlight the resilience and determination of the people of North East to build a peaceful and prosperous future. As the region continues on its path of development and reconciliation, it serves as a shining example of the transformative power of peacebuilding efforts and collaborative initiatives aimed at fostering harmony and progress.

Making Ashtalakshmi of Bharat

The Government’s vision to transform North East into “Ashtalakshmi of India” represents a bold commitment to unleashing the region’s immense potential and positioning it as a vibrant economic hub connecting South East Asia. Under the Act East Policy, the government has prioritised the all-round development of the North East, recognising its strategic significance in fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.

The Central Government’s unwavering commitment to the all-round development of the North East, coupled with substantial investments and transformative initiatives, heralds a new era of growth, prosperity, and connectivity for the region. n