Narendra Modi and Northeast India: development, insurgency and illegal migration

Abstract

ABSTRACTAt this stage, it would be premature to assess the performance of the Narendra Modi-led Government of India and its policies towards the country’s Northeast region, but there are some indications to address key issues of the region, such as infrastructure development, insurgency and illegal migration. Apart from taking necessary steps for ensuring speedy implementation of infrastructure projects initiated by the previous government, a spate of new infrastructure projects has been launched. Shortly after assuming office a peace agreement was concluded with an important insurgent group, the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah so as to ‘empower’ the Naga people as well as conducted an operation against insurgents along the India–Myanmar border in the immediate aftermath of the killing of some military personnel. The agreement is expected to help restore normalcy and promote development in the region. At the same time, the signing of another agreement for exchange of territories with Bangladesh will ensure many stateless people the liberty to choose the citizenships of either India or Bangladesh. However, the approach towards the larger issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh into the region is still unclear, but the new government has expressed keenness to welcome members of minority communities of Bangladesh should they suffered persecution there. This article will discuss some of these issues.