Multiple crises have arisen in India’s northeastern states. After the insurgent group attack in Manipur, the central government is worried about the rocket strike. Manipur is of special importance to Delhi. The state is located near the international border, which connects to three countries in South Asia—Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China and Myanmar in East and Southeast Asia. The region is considered India’s gateway, raising concerns about its security.
The ongoing conflict in Manipur is the result of long-standing deprivation. The crisis began with a dispute between the Meti and Kuki communities, in particular. Meti constitute 53 per cent of the state’s population and Kuki 48 per cent. The recent unrest began with a court order that gave special privileges to the Meti people on the question of land rights. As a result, 154 people were killed and thousands of tribal people were left homeless. Around 60,000 Kukis have taken shelter in Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura.
Meanwhile, China’s intrusion into India’s Arunachal Pradesh is increasing tensions. Locals claim that the Chinese army has penetrated 60 km inside the province and has set up a camp in the Kampa area of Anju district. The infiltration is claimed to have occurred from the McMahon Line near the India-China border. Notably, two young men went missing in the area a few years ago. Locals claim they were captured by China’s People’s Liberation Army, but China has not yet acknowledged the allegations.
Earlier, there were reports of intrusion from the Chinese side in Arunachal. In 2019, Chinese forces constructed a wooden bridge along the Arunachal border, and in 2020 there were multiple incursions. Despite these incidents, there has been no direct declaration of confrontation from the Indian government. However, tensions have reached a peak in recent events.
Political and social turmoil is also continuing in India’s northeastern states. Allegations of separatist activities and deprivation have long been prevalent in the Seven Sisters region, including Manipur, Tripura and Assam. If security is not strengthened in these areas, there will be a big challenge for the Modi government to preserve the country’s borders.
