Identity Politics in Northeast India

Abstract

Northeast India, comprising eight states with over 200 indigenous communities, represents one of the most ethnically diverse regions globally. This study examines identity politics manifestations through colonial legacies that created exclusionary frameworks resulting in majority-minority, tribal-non-tribal, and hills-plains divisions. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, analyzing demographic data from 2011-2022, conflict statistics from 1990-2022, and conducting surveys across Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Primary objectives included examining ethnic conflict patterns, analyzing political mobilization strategies, assessing social exclusion impacts, and evaluating government policy effectiveness. Four hypotheses tested relationships between ethnic diversity and conflict frequency, colonial policies and contemporary identity politics, political mobilization and social exclusion, and government interventions and conflict reduction. Results from six comprehensive tables demonstrated significant correlations between ethnic heterogeneity and conflict intensity (r=0.75, p<0.001), strong influence of colonial frameworks on modern politics, and varying effectiveness of government policies. Statistical analysis confirmed all hypotheses, revealing that states with higher ethnic diversity experience more frequent conflicts, while targeted interventions show promising results in specific regions. The study concludes that addressing identity politics requires comprehensive approaches acknowledging historical legacies while promoting inclusive development and equitable representation for sustainable peace in Northeast India.