From the North-East: An epilogue to the parting year

In these chilly days of December, the mercury is high in the eastern frontier of the country and, more precisely, in India's north-eastern region for various concerning reasons.

- SHIBDAS BHATTACHARJEE

The region is marked with internal complexities and volatilities resulting in conflicts and bloodshed.

The internal dynamics of the region are always challenging because of several factors.

But the geo-strategic location of the region makes it more vulnerable.

The issues related to India's northeastern region can never be perceived keeping aside the neighbouring nations.

The region shares both land and river borders with a number of countries.

India's bilateral relations with most of these nations are uneasy.

Naturally, the developments taking place on the other side of the border bear great significance for the northeast.

In this context, two major factors that seem to be crippling India's strategic and security interests are Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Bangladesh evolving as a Chinese proxy under the caretaker government led by Md Yunus is obviously a strategic setback for India.

However, the situation in Bangladesh has larger implications for the north-eastern region.

Similarly, the developments and power shift in Myanmar enhance India's concern and make things more complicated for the northeast for obvious reasons.

Chinese design against India has been tactical use of its proxies to sabotage New Delhi's interests.

The year 2024 has been eventful in the northeast for the wrong reasons.

Manipur kept on burning throughout the entire year.

In fact, the affairs revolved around Manipur in this region in 2024 as well.

This is true that among the northeastern states, Manipur is more complicated compared to other northeastern states.

The issue started with the proposal to grant scheduled tribe status to the Meitei ethnic group of the state.

The Meiteis are the dominant ethnic group in the state, belonging mainly to Hinduism.