Manipur attack aftermath: Defeating NE insurgency requires development as much as security ops

The attack on an army convoy in Manipur that killed 18 soldiers and injured another 15 came at a time when insurgency in the northeast was seen to be waning. In fact, Tripura recently decided to withdraw the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in light of the improved security climate in that state. However, the Manipur attack shows that militant groups continue to pose a threat to the region.

Most of the militants behind the Manipur attack have their bases in neighbouring Myanmar. New Delhi needs to seek Naypyidaw’s cooperation in cracking down on the ultras. That said, security operations are only one part of the equation. Insurgency in the northeast cannot be resolved without development. The region’s woes stem from a combination of its remote geographical location, poor governance infrastructure and lack of jobs for its youth. The northeast states receive significant financial assistance from the Centre, but this may be a liability as aid becomes a crutch for their limping economies. Add to this the diverse interest groups that profit from this system and the result is deep-rooted corruption that pervades every strata of northeast society.

?This is where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inking of transit arrangements with Bangladesh can be leveraged for a new start with India’s northeast states. Opening up road and rail links through Bangladeshi territory will reduce the distance between the northeast and rest of India and facilitate trade between the region and Southeast Asia. With a fillip to business and commerce, once the northeast economy picks up it will increase stakes in regional peace, degrading the militants’ support base. All of this needs to be bolstered by improved local policing which in turn will mitigate the need for draconian provisions like AFSPA.