Ethnic conflict in North East India, with a particular focus on the state of Tripura

Abstract

The North Eastern area of India is well-known for its rich cultural diversity, which encompasses the harmonious cohabitation of several ethnic groups, dialects, identities, and traditions. Conversely, there has been no shortage of communal bloodshed and ethnic conflicts in this area throughout its history. There have been periodic outbreaks of violence due to the complicated ethnic makeup and a history of animosity amongst groups; this has made maintaining peace and stabilizing the situation extremely difficult. This article explores potential solutions to the problem of communal violence in North East India that are based on ethnicity and looks at ways that people of different backgrounds might live in peace and unity. There are eight distinct states in North East India, each with its own rich history and distinct ethnic population. Nearly 200 distinct ethnic groups call this area home. Among them are the "Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis, Assamese, Bodos, and many more". Ethnicity is deeply embedded in these civilizations' cultural practices, social institutions, and language, and it significantly influences all three. An ingrained sense of connection and belonging is often the root cause of ethnically driven communal violence. People in a community often clash with one another when they feel their economic, cultural, linguistic, or identity rights are being infringed upon. Violence comes out as tensions rise, which can happen as a result of territorial disputes, old grudges, and competition for resources.