Why is it in the news?

• According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), known as the “China-Myanmar module,” provided assistance to banned Meitei outfits to infiltrate India.
• The objective of this infiltration was to exploit the current ethnic unrest in Manipur, with the larger goal of destabilizing the state and waging a war against the Government of India.

Insurgency in the North-East Region (NER)

• The North-East region has been plagued by persistent insurgencies for over 50 years, characterized by various demands ranging from outright sovereignty to greater political autonomy.

Several factors contribute to the continuity of insurgencies in the NER:

• Ethnic conflict: Numerous ethnic groups like the Nagas, Bodos, Kukis, among others, have demanded separate statehood or greater autonomy.
• Illegal immigration and demographic changes: The influx of illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, has led to the rise of organizations such as ULFA in Assam.
• Developmental deficit: Limited infrastructure and economic opportunities in the region have bred resentment among the local population.
• External interference: Insurgent groups have received support, training, and shelter from external actors.

Measures Taken to Address Insurgency in the NER

• Political dialogues and peace talks: Recent agreements such as the Bodo Peace Accord (2020) and the Bru-Reang Agreement (2020) aim to foster peace and stability.
• Developmental initiatives: The North Eastern Council focuses on integrated development in the region, while the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North-East (PM-DevINE) emphasizes targeted development schemes.
• Confidence-building measures: Programs like the Civic Action Program and policies facilitating surrender and rehabilitation of insurgents aim to build trust and promote peaceful coexistence.
• International cooperation: Intelligence sharing and coordinated operations with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar help combat cross-border insurgent activities.