There are more than 220 distinct indigenous peoples in the North-eastern region of India which is approximately 12% of the total population of India (Cencus-2001). During the colonial period, the British came to know/realize that they had dealt with the indigenous peoples in the north-east regions that differed markedly from those living in the plains and who were more strongly influenced by the main land Indian culture. They took up a policy of segregating the hill/tribal from the dominant plain peoples. Such protective regulations went far beyond merely putting the hill tracts of the region under different administrative system.
However, in the post independence period, the north-eastern region, for the last five decades or so, has experienced political unrest, insurgency and ethnic clashes. This political unrest combines two distinct conflicts: ethnic clashes among the indigenous groups and political movements against the State. The demands of the militants range from basic socio-economic equality, competition for land, political rights and regional autonomy to outright independence. Thus, the ethnic clashes and political movements go hand in hand resulting in a complex ethno- political situation. Other aspects of the region’s ethnic politic are insurgent or armed movements.
The present socio-political unrest is also an offshoot of unequal power relations among the ethnic groups. In other words, the social turmoil has more to do with ethnic aspirations and an afford to protect ethnic territories and resources than political independence. By and large “mainstream” population considers the Northeast a “land of Conflict,” but very few go beyond them to understand the situations that lead to social and political unrest. Changing land relations are crucial because they affect the cultural system especially community land/chieftainship and individual rights. Thus, the factors leading to ethnic conflicts are numerous but land and a resource is basic to all of them. Overtime land has become central to the conflicts.
In the midst of such conflict situation, the human rights situation in the region has deteriorated since 1960s. Unlawful killings, recruitment of child soldiers, abductions, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations and war crime have increased. Civilians are being attacked by both sides as fighting escalates between States and Non State Actors of the region and among the ethnic based militants themselves. Hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured.
Recommendation:
1. Protection of indigenous tribal rights since the rights to be human is imperative for development. Safeguarding and protecting such rights is the basic objectives of National and International Human Rights Laws.
2. The North East India’s Indigenous Peoples deserve to get their Indigenous Peoples Rights (i.e., Self Determination in all sphere of life), through peaceful means.
Issued by:
Information and Publicity Department,
Zomi Human Rights Foundation,
General Headquarters