Problems in North East – UPSC Post-Independence Notes

The Northeast region of India, comprising eight states nestled amidst verdant landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich heritage, presents a tableau of contrasts. While its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry captivate the imagination, the region grapples with a plethora of socio-economic and political challenges that often hinder its progress. From persistent insurgencies and ethnic conflicts to infrastructural deficiencies and economic disparities, the North East confronts a complex web of issues that demand urgent attention and concerted efforts for resolution. In this dynamic milieu, understanding and addressing the multifaceted problems of the North East region is imperative for fostering stability, development, and harmonious coexistence among its diverse populace.

Assam Accord: Resolving the Migration Crisis

The Assam Accord of 1985 was a significant agreement aimed at addressing the complex issue of illegal migration into Assam. Here are the key points and the aftermath:

1. Historical Context of Migration:
   • Migration into Assam had a long history, starting from British times when tea plantation workers were encouraged. The partition of Bengal in 1947 led to a large influx of refugees from Pakistani Bengal into Assam.
2. 1971 Refugee Crisis:
   • In 1971, following the Pakistani crackdown in East Bengal, over a million refugees sought shelter in Assam. While most returned after the creation of Bangladesh, nearly 100,000 remained.
3. Continuous Influx from Bangladesh:
   • After 1971, a continuous and large-scale influx of land-hungry Bangladeshi peasants into Assam raised concerns about linguistic, cultural, and political security among native Assamese.
4. Emergence of a Major Political Issue (1979):
   • In 1979, it became evident that a large number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh had become voters in Assam, raising fears of their dominant role in state politics.
5. Anti-Illegal Migration Movement (1979-1985):
   • The All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the Assam Gana Sangram Parishad initiated a massive movement demanding the sealing of Assam’s borders, identification and removal of illegal aliens from voter lists, and postponement of elections until these demands were met.
6. Political Instability (1979-1985):
   • The period saw political instability, state government collapses, and the imposition of the President’s rule due to widespread violence, agitation, and strikes that disrupted normal life.
7. Assam Accord (1985):
   • Signed on August 15, 1985, the accord outlined several key provisions:
     • Full citizenship, including voting rights, for foreigners who entered Assam between 1951 and 1961.
     • Denial of voting rights for 10 years (but other citizenship rights) for entrants between 1961 and 1971.
     • Deportation of migrants entering after 1971.
     • Promises for economic development, including a second oil refinery, paper mill, and institute of technology.
     • Legislative and administrative safeguards for Assamese cultural, social, and linguistic identity.
8. Political Shift (Post Accord):
   • The existing assembly was dissolved, and fresh elections were held in December 1985.
   • The Assam Gana Parishad (AGP), formed by leaders of the anti-foreigners movement, came to power, ending a period of extreme political turbulence.
9. Subsequent Challenges:
   • While the Assam Accord addressed the immediate crisis, fresh challenges emerged, including the Bodo tribes’ demand for a separate state and the secessionist movement led by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).

The Assam Accord remains a pivotal document in Assam’s history, attempting to strike a balance between the rights of indigenous populations and the concerns of migrants.

Rajiv Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, was tragically assassinated on May 21, 1991, in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The attack was a suicide bombing carried out by members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization from Sri Lanka. This tragic event had a profound impact on Indian politics and society.

The Assam Crisis and Its Resolution:

Background:

• At the time of India’s independence, the entire North Eastern region, except for Manipur and Tripura, was part of the State of Assam.
• Discontentment arose as non-Assamese communities felt that the Assam government was imposing the Assamese language on them, leading to demands for political autonomy.
• This discontentment led to dissent and protest riots across the state.

Emergence of Movements:

• Leaders of major tribal communities formed the Eastern India Tribal Union, which later evolved into the All-party Hill Leaders Conference in 1960.
• Their main demand was the division of Assam into tribal states.

ULFA and Armed Conflict:

• In 1979, the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) was established to establish an independent state of Assam through armed conflict.
• Instead of a single tribal state, Assam was eventually divided into many states.

Grievances and Movements:

• Assamese speakers demanded preference in state government positions and the adoption of Assamese as the sole official language.
• This movement led to escalating tensions between Bengali and Assamese communities, culminating in language riots in July 1960.

Issue of Illegal Migration:

• A significant grievance was the large-scale illegal migration from Bangladesh and, to a lesser extent, Nepal.
• This issue gained prominence in 1979 when it was discovered that a large number of illegal immigrants had registered to vote in Assam.

Anti-Illegal Migration Movement:

• The All-Assam Students Union (AASU) and the Assam Gana Sangram Parishad led a massive anti-illegal migration movement, garnering support from Assamese speakers, both Hindu and Muslim, as well as many Bengalis.

Years of Turbulence:

• From 1979 to 1985, Assam experienced political instability, state government collapses, imposition of President’s Rule, sustained agitation, general strikes, and ethnic violence.

Assam Accord (1985):

• Negotiations between the movement’s leaders and the central government took place over several years, but no agreement was reached.
• Finally, on August 15, 1985, the Rajiv Gandhi government reached an agreement (Assam Accord) with the movement’s leaders.
• Provisions of the accord included granting citizenship to foreigners who entered Assam between 1951 and 1961, deportation of those who entered after 1971, and denying voting rights for ten years to those who entered between 1961 and 1971.

Economic Development and Safeguards:

• The accord also included an economic development package for Assam, promising a second oil refinery, a paper mill, and a technical institute.
• The central government pledged legislative and administrative safeguards to preserve the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people.

The Assam Accord was a significant milestone in addressing the grievances and complexities surrounding the Assam Crisis. It marked a crucial step towards resolving issues related to language, identity, and migration in the region.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Assam:

1. Historical Context:
   • The NRC is a record that contains the names of all Indian citizens. It was first prepared in 1951.
   • The NRC is being updated in Assam to address the issue of illegal immigration and prevent further influx of undocumented individuals.
2. Initiation of NRC Update:
   • The process to update the NRC in Assam was set in motion following a Supreme Court judgment in 2013.
   • This initiative is under the provisions of the Citizenship Act of 1955 and the guidelines outlined in the Assam Accord of 1985.
3. Completion of NRC Update:
   • On August 31, 2019, the government released the final citizenship list of Assam residents.
   • This list aims to identify legitimate residents and identify any instances of illegal immigration.
4. Significance:
   • After 68 years, the citizens’ list was updated, concluding four years of concerted effort and addressing a demand that persisted for four decades.
   • The NRC plays a crucial role in determining who qualifies as an Indian citizen, distinguishing them from individuals of other nationalities residing in India without proper documentation.
5. Role in Assam:
   • In Assam, where a significant number of undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh are believed to reside, the NRC is instrumental in identifying and addressing their presence.

The NRC update in Assam holds great significance, particularly in the context of illegal immigration issues in the state. It aims to establish a clear distinction between lawful citizens and individuals who may have entered the country without proper documentation.

FAQs

Q: What are some common challenges faced by the North East region of the United States?

Answer: The Northeast region grapples with various issues, including aging infrastructure, high population density leading to congestion, limited affordable housing, and susceptibility to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and nor’easters.

Q: How does the North East address economic disparities within the region?

Answer: Economic disparities in the North East are tackled through initiatives such as job training programs, investment in infrastructure projects to stimulate growth in underserved areas, and policies aimed at promoting small business development and entrepreneurship.

Q: What measures are in place to address environmental concerns in the North East?

Answer: Environmental concerns in the North East are addressed through stringent regulations on pollution, promotion of renewable energy sources, conservation efforts to protect natural habitats, and initiatives to combat climate change such as carbon reduction targets and green transportation initiatives.

Q: What steps are being taken to improve transportation infrastructure in the North East?

Answer: Transportation infrastructure improvement in the North East involves projects like upgrading highways, expanding public transit systems, investing in high-speed rail networks, and modernizing ports and airports to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.

Q: How is the North East region addressing issues related to healthcare access and affordability?

Answer: Healthcare access and affordability issues in the North East are tackled through programs like Medicaid expansion, community health centers, initiatives to address the opioid epidemic, and efforts to increase access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about healthcare reforms to make services more accessible and affordable for all residents.

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