What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

Introduction

The North-Eastern States, linked to the mainland by the narrow Siliguri corridor and bordering five countries, face an intricate security landscape rooted in ethnic diversity, historical insurgency and developmental neglect.

Major Challenges to Internal Security and the Peace Process

• Ethnic and inter-community conflict: contested identities and land—exemplified by the Meitei–Kuki violence in Manipur (2023).
• Insurgency and armed factions: demands ranging from autonomy to secession, with splinter groups complicating negotiations.
• Cross-border dimensions: porous borders with Myanmar (and the Free Movement Regime), safe havens, arms and drug trafficking (Golden Triangle).
• Illegal migration and demographic anxiety, fuelling tension over citizenship and resources.
• Development deficit and AFSPA-related grievances that erode trust.

Peace Accords and Agreements of the Past Decade

• Naga Framework Agreement (2015) with the NSCN(IM), the basis of ongoing talks.
• NLFT (Tripura) agreement (2019) and the Bru-Reang agreement (2020) resettling displaced Brus in Tripura.
• Bodo Accord (2020) creating the Bodoland Territorial Region framework.
• Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021) in Assam.
• Assam–Meghalaya boundary agreement (2022) and the ULFA (pro-talks) accord (2023); DNLA and Adivasi group settlements.

Conclusion

Backed by AFSPA rollback in many areas and Act East connectivity, sustained dialogue plus inclusive development offers a durable path to peace.