Assamese Identity Issues: A Chapter Review of ‘India’s North-East: Identity Movements, State and Civil Society’

Abstract

This commentary article discusses the chapter titled ‘Assam: Identity Movements and Insurgent Politics’ – ‘Assamese Identity Issues’ in Udayon Misra's book "India’s North East: Identity Movements, State and Civil Society" (2014), focusing on the Assam movement and its implications for Assamese identity. The author sheds light on how the movement was centered around the issues and questions between foreign migrants and indigenous people, highlighting the struggle for linguistic identity and the yearning for a unified homeland. The commentary also underscores the need for social and political cohesion, effective conflict management, and inclusive governance to ensure a peaceful resolution and foster the development of Assamese society. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical context, starting with rich debates spanning over many decades.