Unholy nexus against India

The volatility is almost synonymous with the northeastern region of India. This is not merely internal resentment but also a threat from external and transborder elements as well.

- SHIBDAS BHATTACHARJEE

Northeast shares land and river borders with a number of countries. With the passing of time, things have become more complicated. The intention of the bordering nations, particularly Bangladesh, to annex northeast is nothing new. This was part of the larger game plan of Islamabad through East Pakistan to sabotage India's strategic and security interests. Nothing changed after the formation of Bangladesh. However, the recent development of a possible nexus consisting of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and insurgent outfits of Nagaland shows the intensity of the threat not only against the northeast but the entire country.

As per media reports, Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and Islamists in Bangladesh took an official stand to help the insurgent outfit of the Nagaland National Socialist Council of Nagaland to take forward the anti-India agenda. The media reports also stated NSCN chief Muivah was taking a tougher stand after the alleged failure of the last two rounds of talks between NSCN and New Delhi.

However, this is nothing new. The Naga insurgency has always been used as a tool by Pakistan against India since the beginning. Similarly, the Naga insurgency has been the most complicated issue for India as far as the internal security of India is concerned. On the other hand, one of the major reasons for the turmoil in the northeast is obviously the Naga insurgency, which instigated, provoked, and, at the same time, compelled other ethnic groups of northeast India to form insurgent outfits across the region.