Consequences of Longterm Conflicts in Northeast India

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In fact, due to the insurgency, a detailed survey regarding the animal population could not be carried out! Over the course of the conflict , Bodo militants ravaged the Panbari and Bhuyanpura ranges of Manas National Park, while Bansbari, though severely damaged, survived the militant offensive. The militants belonging to armed rebel groups are even trained in National Parks.

Attempts by the forces of the State to flush the militants out of these parks result in armed conflict, which consequently destroys the environment. For example, trees often have to be felled over the course of the advance of the State forces into these parks.

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Not just the flora, there are grave threats to the region's fauna, especially the endangered species. A recent report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA in fact pointed out an alarming trend wherein tiger populations in states struggling to tackle insurgents were decreasing. According to officials of the NTCA, the tigers were being poached, for economic benefit, or simply killed as they often were within touching distance of the insurgents inhabiting the national reserves.

Additionally, insurgent groups often damage forests in these very areas and armed rebels who decide to inhabit those areas. State forces in anti-insurgency missions then further destroy these very forests. Pledges regarding conservation of forested areas, and forest protection policies take a backseat, as resources provided by nature, such as timber and hardwood are lost.

However, more importantly, the delicate ecology of North East India is faced with a serious hazard by such armed conflict. One of the highlights of the seven sister states, in terms of tourism as well as revenue are its sprawling tea gardens. The insurgents too have not spared these tea gardens. Tea, which possesses a significant amount of biomass not only absorbs carbon dioxide, cleansing the environment, but also provides an impetus to animal biodiversity and decreases the temperature of its immediate environment.

The immediate effect of landmine explosions is the destruction of surrounding vegetation and wildlife. Apart from this, the surrounding soil cannot be restored to its erstwhile state of purity thereby making it uncultivable. Finally, the landmines contain hazardous and poisonous substances such as mercury and lead, which are released on explosion.

These substances then remain in the environment, posing serious dangers to the same. T he widespread damage caused to Manas National Park by armed rebels over the course of conflict is most widely covered and discussed. However, a "spreading sea of violence" to national parks, forests and sanctuaries of the North East, has also been noticed. In Dampa in Mizoram , Nampdapha and Manas itself, for example, timber, horns of rhinos and ivory are plundered by rebels. The invaluable hardwood trees of Assam have also been a victim of armed conflict, so much so that the idea of an Assam Forest Protection Force had to be floated.

Moreover, the porous Myanmar border allows for a flourishing illegal trade in wildlife, including ivory and rhino horns. Armed insurgency in North East India has laid siege to every single aspect of the ecosystem, and if allowed to continue, threatens to dismantle the same. Possible Solutions under National or International Laws.

While there are a number of reasons as to the damage that is currently being caused to the environment in the North East, a rather silent cause that is only seeing the light of day after years of having affected ecological hotspots in the region of the Seven Sisters. The armed conflict arises out of deep-seated socio-political turmoil, which is the effervescence of a larger geo-political struggle that has emerged over the years.

Manifested as the destruction of property, roads, communication networks that anyhow are scarce in this region, the armed conflict is laying waste to a bio-diversity hotspot that is a rich reservoir of resources, and hence a source of power. In most conflict zones, the vying for control of resources is rooted in the power that may be wielded whilst in the possession of said resources. Failure of Present Measures. However, in spite of having effective laws in place that are effective across the country, a fairly effective legal system that has in the recent past started taking up environmental issues seriously, enforcement is still a problem in bio-diverse conflict areas.

This is where the peculiar nature of the North East arises. Till date, the measures to deal with them have been limited to the Carrot and Stick approaches [37]. Through incentives, hand outs and the projection of nation-building measures [38] such as infra projects, telecommunications and reserved budgetary allocations, the Centre has tried to appease sentiments of alienation that lead to insurgencies.

On the other hand, counter-insurgency techniques by staunch military opposition to these groups have also been launched. But if the past is something to go by, using the stick alienates these groups further and motivates them to take to arms even more. On paper, the jurisdiction of national as well as international legal systems are binding on them, but are never enforced. This arises due to a host of reasons: The nature of armed conflict in these territories is heavily based on ethnic, religious and communal divisions.

In most parts of the North East, tribes hold territory in common. As such, land is the common property of a tribe or a clan.

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The Bodo tribes lay claim to the land where many refugees and immigrants are making their homes in. Essentially, such conflicts go unheard by authorities so as to make proper provisions for migrants or check such invasion or encroachment as the case may be. EIA schemes are ineffective to say the least in determining the kind of damage or displacement that could be caused. It fails to take into account sociological factors that play such an important role in the dynamic of the NE as discussed above [40].

Often, it would lead to resettlement of displaced persons in the territory of other tribes and clans that could be a bone of contention. Tensions also arise from the fact that while there are large swathes of land available to resettle and rehabilitate persons displaced due to infrastructure and development projects, most of it is uncultivable.

The scope for permanent cultivation and re-establishing livelihood becomes unfeasible. The different tribes in the North East are governed locally and often are unaware of legislative frameworks that govern them. Most of the individuals who are the reason for the legislation often have no knowledge of the same [42]. Also, due to political instability in regions where the only power rests in the hands of those with guns, the State machinery is ineffective in bringing a situation of common law and order under State or National legal systems.

Political tussles always dissolve the lines of power and due to this, military rule often is the only form of governance in many parts of the North East. In addition, due to the enforcement of the AFSPA in certain States, the framework of legislation, especially environmental laws can be overridden in the interest of the armed forces where the major concern is reducing human suffering and protection of private property. Liability for Environmental Crimes under Indian Law. Applicable only on ATM card, debit card or credit card orders.

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I'd like to read this book on Kindle Don't have a Kindle? Govt should think of them also as they think for rest 21states.. Firstly govt should do better road and railway transport to connect these states so that people couldn't suffer more. Hope in future they will get all the privilege from central government. Anyone planning to go on a Sikkim tour?

If yes and also you'are a girl then this Sikkim women tour package will be perfect for you. North eastern state has some very big issues related to history, government view point etc etc. For an example if government want than they can prevent illegal immigration to Assam and other north-eastern state but for only political interest they are not even trying to do it so.

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Today states like Assam and Tripura are almost loosing their own son of soil rights in their own land. This issue should be solved otherwise it will create many other problems in future. I have an article on Assam's social problem, which is same with other north eastern state social problems.

Check this here social problems of Assam. Conflict in Northeast India: Issues, Causes and Concern Tweet Share Share Print Introduction The Northeast region of India comprising of eight states — Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim [1] — a region poorly connected to the Indian mainland by a small corridor, [2] and surrounded by many countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and China, is the setting for a multitude of conflict that undermines the idea of India as a prosperous and functioning democracy.

Consequences of the Long Term Conflict in the Northeast India - - Vij Books

Governance and Politics in Northeast India. Add new comment Your name.

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