Periphery Complex and National Security
23 Apr, 2002 · 733
Paolienlal Haokip analyses the insurgency in the Northeast India using the Dominant-Periphery paradigm and suggests remedies
The state of unrest in the Northeastern states of
India
can be viewed as the outcome of a periphery complex, by which is meant the feeling of not quite belonging to the State/Nation one finds oneself or one’s community to be living in. This sense of alienation can manifest itself in several forms, the most common, observed the world over and throughout history, is one of rebellion against the central authority, either in demands for greater autonomy or by secession. What is being witnessed in the Northeast for decades now is a complex mixture of both these factors.
India
. This engenders the complexities of Dominant-Periphery relationships characterized by tensions over the distribution of power, conflicts over social norms and practices, differences over projected national symbols and identities.
The roots of this feeling need to be comprehended if remedies are to be sought; these could range from ethno-racial to historical, geographical, economic and governance factors. Ethno-racially the Northeast is distinct from the rest of
Prior to the expansion of British rule into the region, most of the Northeast was ruled either by independent Kings or Chieftains who had no political allegiance to the historical Indian Kingdoms, or for that matter, with any other political power. This historical dissociation remains one of the strongest alienating undercurrents today. Geographically, the Northeast is not aligned closely with the Indian mainland. The difficulty of access to the region has resulted in low levels of interaction with and exposure to the rest of the country, which has minimized the spirit of mutual understanding and co-existence.
Economically, the region had made little progress post-independence. A hungry stomach is always fertile to rebellion, if not revolution. Besides, the dynamics of regional comparison is invariably at work in determining the level of economic satisfaction. Good governance is central to the integrity of a nation, and can ensure a satisfied and contented citizenry through participatory mechanisms. The lack of it is a trumpet call to the disruptive forces of disintegration.
To address the problem of national security more comprehensively, the state of unrest in the Northeast must be given proper attention. The diversities within the country must be noted and equal recognition and respect given to all ethno-cultural and political sensibilities. Many policy initiatives have undoubtedly been taken to quell the smouldering insurgency in the Northeast; yet, one really wonders if any thought has gone behind them. Myopic and hackneyed policies like deploying the armed forces, outlawing certain insurgent groups, signing ceasefire agreements off and on, and holding talks with one or the other group by exclusion of other less vocal yet equally aggrieved groups – that too with apparently doubtful sincerity – will not go far in solving the problem.
What is needed is a comprehensive and long-term policy framework which aims at effective removal of the periphery complex and inculcation of a sense of belonging. This is to be worked out on the basis of research and analysis of the ground realities in the region with sincerity and commitment, which seems severely lacking till today. Secondly, attitudes have to undergo changes. Policy programme undertaken in the region should be done as a duty and not as special grants to an undeveloped part of the country. Politicians and the media have a big role to play. Inter-linkages between the various problems as well as the grievances of different ethnic groups have to be studied and solutions devised. Piece-meal approaches will not work and could, in some cases, worsen the problem. Finally, as an old tribal saying has it, the Chief cannot rebel. Dispensation of territorial autonomy in the true spirit of participatory democracy along the various divides might work wonders in healing this worsening ulcer of national security.
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