INDIA’S VIOLENT NORTH-EAST

by Fatima Rizvi

The serial bomb blasts in the major urban centers of Assam were a bloody reminder of the insurgencies that are raging in India's north-eastern parts. The fact these took place just ahead of the Prime Minister's visit was a warning from the militants that the coming elections may not be peaceful. The violence underscored the need for an end to the brutal atrocities being committed by India's security forces not just in the north-east but also against those struggling or freedom in Kashmir.

India's earlier support to the Tamils in Sri Lanka and its subsequent intervention brought unimaginable misery to the people of Sri Lanka. As the situation there nears the end game for the Tamil Tigers India may be tempted to interfere again. It is also possible that violence may come to India's Tamil south and the Muslim dominated areas of Kerala if the likes of Varun Gandhi and Modi and other war painted saffron clad fundos continue spouting religious venom.

By far the worst hit area is India's Manipur state. It is here that the Naga insurrection rages in multiple areas. It is possible the most violent area of India's north-east. All nine districts of Manipur are affected in the Nagaland demand or the struggle for NAGALIM-GREATER NAGALAND. At the forefront is the NSCN-IM-the National Security Council of Nagaland-Isak Muirali. The population is supportive of the movement and the hilly terrain is ideal for insurgents. Muslim civil society also supports the movement. Government control is almost non-existent with extortion, kidnappings, bomb blasts and attacks almost every day.

The Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front with a Naga Army organized into battalions has forced India's Assam Rifles to stay within fortified camps. The recent kidnapping of a Deputy Commissioner made headlines even though India gags news of events and the brutalities being committed by the security forces.

The north-east is just one facet of India's so far domestic terrorism---international terror is not far behind. The other more sinister facet is the fanatic Hindu organizations with international connections and supported by politicians, military personnel and from within the government-Varun was just one of the many faces behind the rage against Muslims and other religions in India.

With its huge population, extreme poverty, caste ridden society and blatant Hindu domination India is a tinder box waiting to explode. Policies of destabilizing other countries and proxy wars can be disastrous. If India is the big power it claims to be then it has to be tolerant and reassuring so that others do not react to it as a threat. Highly unlikely.