Insurgency in North-East India: Roots, State-wise Picture, Peace Accords, AFSPA and the Manipur Crisis (UPSC Notes + PYQs)
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
Roots
- Ethnic diversity: over 200 communities, many with distinct histories and little integration under British rule (“Inner Line”, excluded areas).
- Fears over immigration and demography, especially in Assam and Tripura.
- Geography: the 22 km Siliguri corridor; 98% of the region’s borders are international.
- Under-development and a feeling of alienation; cross-border sanctuaries in Myanmar.
State-wise picture
| State | Movement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | NSCN (I-M) and others, demand for Nagalim | Framework Agreement 2015; final settlement pending over flag and constitution |
| Mizoram | Mizo National Front | Mizo Accord 1986, most successful accord |
| Assam | ULFA, Bodo, Karbi, Dimasa groups | Bodo Accord 2020, Karbi 2021, ULFA (pro-talks) 2023 |
| Tripura | NLFT, ATTF | Largely ended; NLFT accord 2019 |
| Manipur | Valley-based and Naga, Kuki groups | Meitei-Kuki-Zo conflict since 2023; President’s Rule from February 2025 |
AFSPA
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 gives the armed forces powers to search, arrest and use force in “disturbed areas”. The Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005) recommended its repeal; the Supreme Court in EEVFAM (2016) said there is no absolute immunity for excessive force. Since 2022 AFSPA has been withdrawn from large parts of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur; Tripura (2015) and Meghalaya (2018) are free of it.
Manipur since 2023
A High Court order on Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis in March 2023 sparked violence between the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kuki-Zo from 3 May 2023. Over 250 people were killed and about 60,000 displaced; armouries were looted. The Chief Minister resigned and President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025. Key issues: land, ST status, drugs and poppy cultivation, the Free Movement Regime with Myanmar (since scrapped and fencing planned).
Way forward
Inclusive dialogue, time-bound settlement of the Naga talks, development through the Act East Policy and infrastructure, better border management with Myanmar, police modernisation, protecting customary land rights, and strengthening Sixth Schedule councils.
North East Insurgency: UPSC angle
For UPSC CSE
Prelims: accords and years, AFSPA facts, Inner Line Permit. Mains GS-III: causes of insurgency, role of external actors, border management; GS-II: Sixth Schedule.
North East Insurgency UPSC PYQs (Prelims)
Questions UPSC has actually asked, from the official papers. Pick an option to check yourself.
No Prelims question in the Battle IAS bank is directly on this topic yet.
Mains PYQs on this topic
Questions from the official UPSC Mains papers (2023-2026 in the Battle IAS Mains bank), newest first. Each links to a model answer.
- UPSC Mains 2025 · GS Paper III · Q19 · 15 marks
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.
Quick quiz
The Mizo Accord was signed in
With the MNF.Answer (b)
The Framework Agreement of 2015 was signed with
Naga peace process.Answer (b)
AFSPA was enacted in
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958.Answer (b)
FAQs
What is the Inner Line Permit?
A permit Indian citizens from outside need to enter Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur, based on the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
Which accord ended the Bodo insurgency?
The Bodo Accord of January 2020, creating the Bodoland Territorial Region.
Why did violence break out in Manipur in 2023?
Over a court order on ST status for Meiteis, rooted in long disputes over land, identity and resources.
Is AFSPA still in force?
In parts of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, reviewed periodically.
Spotted an error? Tell us. We correct within 48 hours.
How to use this in Mains
If asked: UPSC Mains 2025, GS-III: 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.
Quote: “Ethnic diversity: over 200 communities, many with distinct histories and little integration under British rule (“Inner Line”, excluded areas).”
Use it: Use it as the root cause in your intro.
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