Indigenous Peoples in North East of Indian Sub-Continent: Call for Rights and Recognition

ANJAN SARMA

North East region of Indian sub-continent, comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, is a region of profound cultural diversity and intricate socio-political dynamics.

Indigenous communities here, some of whom live in voluntary isolation or have only begun interacting with mainstream society, face unique challenges. Their rights and way of life are under constant threat from external pressures, including socio-economic transformations, developmental projects, and longstanding regional conflicts. The exploring the critical importance of protecting these indigenous peoples' rights within the broader socio-political landscape of Northeast is very important and urgent indeed.

The Unique Context of Northeast India

Northeast India is home to numerous indigenous tribes, each with distinct cultural practices, languages, and traditions. Historically and geographically isolated from the rest of India, the region has experienced prolonged conflicts, including inter-ethnic strife and disputes with the Indian state.

Insurgencies and territorial disputes in states like Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland have created a volatile environment, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of indigenous communities. In this complex tapestry, indigenous populations, especially those in voluntary isolation or initial contact, face existential threats from both internal and external sources.

 Historical Context and Unfulfilled Promises

Northeast India's political landscape has been shaped by a series of accords and agreements, many of which remain partially implemented. Following India's so-called independence, these agreements with the centralized power in New Delhi have often been perceived by regional forces as reminiscent of British imperialist rule. This ongoing dissatisfaction among indigenous communities is largely due to the non-implementation of these accords.

The political integration of Northeast India into the Indian Union was not a straightforward process. It involved a series of political maneuvers, negotiations, and agreements aimed at integrating the diverse and distinct ethnic communities of the region. However, many of these agreements have either been delayed or partially implemented, leading to a sense of betrayal among the local populace.

One of the most significant accords in the region's history is the Shillong Accord of 1975, signed between the Government of India and the Naga National Council (NNC). The accord aimed to bring peace to the region but failed to address the core issues, leading to the formation of more militant groups like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).

Again, for instance, the Assam Accord of 1985 aimed to tackle illegal immigration from Bangladesh and safeguard indigenous Assamese interests. However, its key provisions remain largely unimplemented after 39 years, contributing to persistent tensions and distrust.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and Human Rights

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), enacted in 1958, grants Indian security forces broad powers, including the ability to arrest without warrant and shoot to kill in certain situations.

 This act has been heavily criticized for enabling human rights abuses. In Northeast India, AFSPA’s implementation often results in military actions and curfews that disrupt traditional ways of life and contribute to a climate of fear and oppression. The act remains a contentious issue, perpetuating a cycle of violence and mistrust between the state and indigenous communities.

Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact

Indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation or initial contact have chosen to remain apart from mainstream society or have only recently begun interacting with it. These groups are especially vulnerable to external threats, including diseases against which they have no immunity, land encroachment, and socio-cultural disruptions.

In Northeast India, several indigenous groups live in remote areas, maintaining traditional lifestyles. Their choice of voluntary isolation is a means to preserve their culture and way of life, free from external influences and disruptions.

Land and Resource Conflicts

Land and resource conflicts are among the most pressing issues for indigenous peoples in Northeast India. Traditional lands are frequently threatened by developmental projects, deforestation, and illegal mining activities.

 These pressures not only endanger the physical environment but also disrupt the cultural and spiritual lives of indigenous communities deeply connected to their ancestral lands.

In Manipur, changes in land ownership laws and land grants to non-indigenous people have led to significant unrest. Similar issues are prevalent in other states, where indigenous lands are often appropriated for development without adequate consultation or compensation.

Human Rights Abuses and Impunity

The implementation of AFSPA in Northeast India has led to numerous reports of human rights abuses by security forces, including extrajudicial killings, torture, rape, and arbitrary detention.

The immunity provided to security personnel under AFSPA means these abuses often go unpunished, perpetuating a cycle of violence and mistrust. Human Rights Watch has described AFSPA as a "tool of state abuse, oppression, and discrimination." The act exacerbates demands for autonomy among the people, fueling separatist movements and further destabilizing the region.

Examples of Violence and Displacement

Ethnic tensions in the region often result in violence and displacement. The 2012 violence between Bodo tribes and Muslim migrant settlers in Assam's Kokrajhar district led to the deaths of at least 45 people and the displacement of around 300,000 individuals. In Manipur, the conflict between Meiteis and Kukis, which escalated in May 2024, has resulted in widespread violence, the burning of homes, and the displacement of over 70,000 people. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for a more humane and inclusive approach to governance.

Darfur's Conflict: A Comparative Analysis

The conflict in Northeast India shares similarities with the Darfur conflict in Sudan, particularly regarding government actions leading to increased violence and the involvement of ill-governed militias.

In both regions, changes to land access and governance, coupled with hate speech and disinformation, have transformed resource-based conflicts into severe ethnic and communal violence. Similar to Darfur, where government support for Arab militias led to massive human rights abuses, Northeast India's perceived state favoritism has intensified ethnic tensions and violence.

Indigenous Knowledge and Conservation

Despite challenges, indigenous peoples in Northeast India have preserved rich traditional knowledge systems crucial for sustainable living and environmental conservation. Their practices include sustainable agriculture, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.

 For instance, Arunachal Pradesh's indigenous communities have intricate systems of land and forest management that promote biodiversity and environmental health. Meghalaya’s Khasi and Garo tribes have developed unique agricultural practices that allow sustainable land and resource use.

International Recognition and Protection

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) outlines indigenous peoples' rights to self-determination, cultural preservation, and control over their lands and resources.

 Protecting these rights is essential for the survival and well-being of indigenous communities in Northeast India. The international community can support these efforts through advocacy, funding, and policy support. The 2024 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples theme, "Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact," highlights the need for specific measures to safeguard these vulnerable groups.

Building Better Responses

Addressing the complex challenges faced by indigenous peoples in Northeast India requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect land and resource rights, ensuring thorough consultation and consent processes for development projects, and enhancing accountability for human rights abuses are crucial steps.

Promoting peace and dialogue, supporting indigenous knowledge and practices, and providing immediate needs like healthcare and education can build resilient communities. International support and advocacy are vital for creating a supportive environment for indigenous peoples' protection and development.

The complex interplay of migration, demographic change, and the struggle for cultural identity in Assam is a microcosm of broader global issues faced by indigenous communities. Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, ensuring fair land policies, and addressing the socio-economic impacts of migration are critical for fostering a peaceful and prosperous future for Northeast India's diverse communities.

 Recognizing and honoring the contributions of indigenous peoples is essential for building a more equitable and just society for all.

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