BEYOND THE MAP: THE ENDURING BORDER CONFLICTS OF ASSAM AND THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS

Abstract

The Northeast region of India, renowned for its ethnic and cultural diversity, continues to grapple with persistent inter-state border disputes that have deep historical roots. While public narratives often emphasize ethnic unrest, insurgencies, and immigration issues, boundary conflicts—particularly between Assam and Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh—remain a constant source of political tension. These disputes, originating from the reorganisation of undivided Assam, have perpetuated territorial ambiguities that disrupt connectivity, impede socio-economic development, and exacerbate insecurity in borderland communities. Such areas face recurring disputes over agricultural land, sporadic violence, and loss of lives, yet receive inadequate policy attention. This article critically examines the historical, spatial, and operational aspects of these disputes, their socio-economic impacts, and the measures undertaken by state and Union governments to address them. It advocates for sustained, collaborative, and community-centered approaches to conflict resolution, aiming to foster long-term stability and equitable growth in the Northeast.