CHANGING SECURITY PARADIGM IN NORTH EAST INDIA – IMPLICATIONS & IMPERATIVES
SEMINAR PAPER
Introduction
- A Seminar titled ‘Changing Security Paradigm in North East – Implications & Imperatives’ is being conducted by 9 Sect Assam Rifles of HQ IGAR (South) under the aegis of HQ Director General Assam Rifles on 05 Dec 2019 at Imphal. The Seminar spread over a day will be covered in four sessions including the inaugural and closing session. The Seminar seeks to highlight the changing security archetype in North East India with its pervasive imperatives and relevant implications which act as a catalyst in the overall development of the region. Consequently, it becomes of essence to analyse the emergent security situation in the North East region and come up with affirmative and constructive outcomes which can further boost the growth of the region.
- North East India, comprising the seven states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura is known for its biological and cultural diversity and the unique Brahmaputra and Barak river systems. While the seven states are indeed collectively referred together as the ‘North East’, there is substantial diversity within the region even as far as political and socio-economic issues are concerned, both historically and in contemporary times.
- Trends and statistics of last decade clearly illustrate that the armed insurgency around the entire region of North East has been gradually waning on a scale of intensity as well as inclusivity. This apparent shift in the regional security policy of North East has been largely defined or modeled along anti-insurgency. Till few years back, insurgency used to be the core theme of this security policy. There is a more liberal approach to security with greater focus on peace, development and cooperative security with an aim to achieve stability at regional, national as well as global levels. There is thus a new salience and awareness of the comprehensive nature of security. This includes in its ambit the traditional defence-related threats, but no less importantly, challenges in societal, political, economic, technological and environmental dimensions as well. The changing security scenario in North East is attributed to sustained and coordinated effort of the Security Forces on ground and the policies of the Government. The security policy should now ideally transition from combating active insurgency to combating the after effects of insurgency.
- Waning of armed insurgency gives rise to a period of criminal activities due to easy availability of illicit weapons. Related pressing problem is illicit arms and drug
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trade with region’s susceptibility to Islamic fundamentalism and implications of recently concluded National Register of Citizen (NRC) in Assam. NRC could result in serious public disorder in other states of NE. The new security challenges are diverse and multi-dimensional. The management of these emerging issues requires multi-lateral efforts through processes of discussions, negotiations and cooperation. Cooperative security approach encourages informal and inclusive participation from all the stakeholders. Apropos, there is an essential need to devise new study models and endeavour to deliberate on tackling the present situation in the region.
Aim
- To undertake critical analysis of changing security paradigm in North East India, identify implications and imperatives and establish a vision for overall growth and development of the region.
Primer
- A primer designed to provide an overview into the topic at hand will be forwarded to the esteemed speakers with this approach paper. The primer will contextualize the aim and objectives of the Seminar by way of research questions for structuring the talk by the speakers.
Plenary Sessions and Speakers
- The sub themes for the three sessions alongwith suggested list of speakers and timelines are as under:-
| S
No |
Time | Duration (Mins) | Event | Speaker/
Remarks |
| Inaugural Session | ||||
| (a) | 0900-0910h | 10 | Felicitation of Dignitaries | |
| (b) | 0910-0920h | 10 | Welcome Address | DG AR |
| (c) | 0920-0930h | 10 | Keynote Address | Hon’ble
Governor of Manipur |
| (d) | 0930-0945h | 15 | Special Address – Role of Security Forces in Curbing Insurgency in North East & Future Strategy | |
| Session 1: North East Region – Security Environment & Challenges | ||||
| (e) | 0945-1000h | 15 | Introduction to Sub Theme & Panelists | Chair – Lt Gen AK Sahni (Retired) |
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| S
No |
Time | Duration (Mins) | Event | Speaker/
Remarks |
| (f) | 1000-1015h | 15 | Reviewing Security Situation in North East – Insurgency & Potential Flash Points | Lt Gen JR Mukherjee
(Retired) |
| (g) | 1015-1030h | 15 | External Dynamics of
Security Environment & its Impact on North East |
Mr GK Pillai, ex Union Home Secy |
| (h) | 1030-1045h | 15 | Rethinking Overall Development in North East – Insecurities & Meeting Aspirations | Dr Moji Riba |
| (j) | 1045-1115h | 30 | Q & A Session | Chair |
| (k) | 1115-1120h | 5 | Presentation of Memento | |
| (l) | 1120-1145h | 25 | Tea Break including Group Photograph | |
| Session 2: Act East Policy 2.0 and Border Management | ||||
| (m) | 1145-1200h | 15 | Introduction to Sub Theme & Panelists | Chair – Lt Gen KJ Singh
(Retd) |
| (n) | 1200-1215h | 15 | Manipur – Gateway to
ASEAN, Cross Border Cooperation / Border Management |
Maj Gen Arun Roye (Retd) |
| (o) | 1215-1230h | 15 | Assam Rifles – A Facilitator of Act East Policy | Lt Gen
Upendra Dwivedi, DG Inf |
| (p) | 1230-1245h | 15 | Role of Media in getting North East to National
Centre Stage |
Ms Vasudha Gupta, ADG (M&C) MHA |
| (q) | 1245-1315h | 30 | Q & A Session | Chair |
| (r) | 1315-1320h | 5 | Presentation of Memento | |
| Closing Session | ||||
| (s) | 1320-1335h | 15 | Closing Address | DGAR |
| (t) | 1335-1345h | 10 | Vote of Thanks | IG AR (South) |
| (u) | 1345h
onwards |
– | Lunch | – |
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CHANGING SECURITY PARADIGM IN NORTH EAST INDIA – IMPLICATIONS & IMPERATIVES
SEMINAR PRIMER
Aim
- To undertake critical analysis of changing security paradigm in North East India, identify implications and imperatives and establish a vision for overall growth and development of the region.
Inaugural Session (0900 – 0945h)
- The session will reflect on the theme of the Seminar with keynote address by the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur & a Special address on ‘Role of Security Forces in Curbing Insurgency in North East & Future Strategy’ by General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps. The session will also outline the framework for deliberations over the next two sessions.
- In order to develop insights into the turning points in the historical background of the North East Region as well as to put the entire audience on the same platform of thoughts, certain questions/points which deserve merit are as follows:-
(a) What was the status of North East Region before and after Independence of the country?
(b) What is the state of development of NE States and what are the related concerns and issues?
(c) Who are the significant stakeholders in various States of North East?
(d) How is the role of Security Forces viewed in the region in assisting the Government in bringing the transformation?
(e) How is the development of the North East region vis-a-vis other parts of the country?
(f) Recommendations and way ahead for an inclusive and sustainable growth and overall development of the region?
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Session 1 (0900 – 0945h) : North East Region – Security Environment & Challenges
- The session will closely examine the changing security paradigm in North East India and discuss development in both internal as well as external dynamics alongwith likely future impact and implications. The session will also attempt to link the overall development in North East with insecurities and meeting aspirations of the local populace.
- A true appreciation of significance and value of the region keeping the security aspects in view, can effectively be achieved by attempting to respond to the following questions:-
(a) What are the reasons for insurgency in the region?
(b) What is the reason for the growing trend manifesting in criminalization of the armed movements for self determination in North East India?
(c) Why is it that while violence has been brought below sub-critical levels in North East India, it shows no signs of ending?
(d) Is it possible that the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) 2016 and Naga Framework Agreement may stimulate renewed violence in North East India?
(e) Is there a need to review the existing security situation in North East India? If yes, what aspects must be kept in mind with respect to the changing security dynamics including constantly evolving modus operandi of insurgent outfits and the potential flash points in the region?
(f) What are the interests of China, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan in North East India and India’s issues of concern / divergence and cooperation?
(g) How does geography and ethnic dispositions shape behaviors and proclivities of neighboring countries in North East India?
(j) What compulsions drive Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan to seek any Chinese cooperation and assistance (if any)?
(k) What are the internal dynamics in neighbouring countries which have implications for North East India especially the Rohingya crisis? How should
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India in general and North East in particular deal with the developing situation in our neighbourhood?
(l) How do we rethink overall development in North East India and address the insecurities and aspirations of the local populace?
Session 2 (1145 – 1320h) : Act East Policy 2.0 and Border Management
- The most significant outcome of the changing security situation in North East India is the emergent development in the region. With proliferation of various development avenues, the region has not only shown symptoms of stabilization but has started spreading its tentacles to the whole world especially South East Asia.
- The session will dwell on Manipur as gateway to ASEAN, security of enhanced cross border cooperation as well as reflect on the emerging role of Assam Rifles as a facilitator of India’s Act East Policy and role of media in getting the North East region to the National Centre Stage. The region has significant stakes in the regional as well as global environment. Despite substantial reduction in the insurgency level, the region continues to be plagued by serious concerns emanating from the region. Therefore, it becomes imperative for the region to intensify its engagements with various stakeholders for sustainable development. The session will also attempt to introspect the approach being adopted by the various stakeholders and identify any requirements for realignment or recalibration to render better policy choices for overall development of the region.
- The Assam Rifles and the Indian Army have been at the forefront of tackling insurgency in the North East region. They have been the instruments of the National power in effectively bringing the security situation to the lowest level of all time.
- Appreciating the role of Manipur State, Assam Rifles and the Media in overall development of the region, following posers need to be addressed:-
(a) What are the contours of Manipur and its role in facilitating development of the entire North East India?
(b) What does border management entail and what are emergent challenges?
(c) What security threats to North East India have the potential to derail Manipur’s emergence as a ‘Gateway to North East India’?
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(d) What is the role of Assam Rifles and what is the suggested outline cooperative framework for the way ahead for Assam Rifles as a Border Guarding Force?
(e) What should be the future contours of Free Movement Regime (FMR)?
(f) What is the role of both vernacular as well as national media houses and the recommended supportive structure for getting North East India to the National centre stage?
(g) What should be the idealistic interplay of various stakeholders in the overall development of North East India and the envisaged challenges for successful implementation of the various policy decisions by the Government?
Concluding Session (1320 – 1345h)
- The session will round up the key takeaways from the daylong seminar, providing policy recommendations for future. The session will include closing address by the DG Assam Rifles and vote of thanks by IGAR (South).
Conclusion
- North East India has witnessed reasonable transformation and development since the time of independence of the country, despite facing various odds from time to time. With persistent efforts by the Government and the Security Forces, the region is now standing tall at the doorstep of a new era of prosperity and development. Will the region be able to capitalize on the opportunity available will depend on collective actions, initiatives and perseverance of the stakeholders.