7.4.3. Movements Against Outsiders

The large scale migration into the North-East gave rise to a special kind of problem that pitted the ‘local’ communities against people who were seen as ‘outsiders’ or migrants. These latecomers, either from India or abroad, are seen as encroachers on scarce resources like land and potential competitors to employment opportunities and political power. This issue has taken political and sometimes violent form in many States of the North-East.

The North-East region of India has faced significant demographic changes due to large-scale migration. This has led to tensions between the indigenous populations and newcomers, who are often labeled as 'outsiders'. These tensions arise because the locals view the migrants as threats to their access to resources, job opportunities, and political influence. As a result, conflicts have emerged between these two groups, with locals frequently protesting against the presence and rights of migrants.

Imagine a small town facing a sudden influx of new residents from various places. The existing townsfolk may feel squeezed out, worried about job prospects or changes to their local culture. This feeling can lead to protests and conflicts, mirroring what has occurred in the North-East as established communities react to newcomers perceived as taking away their opportunities.

The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of such movements against ‘outsiders’. The Assamese suspected that there were huge numbers of illegal Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh. They felt that unless these foreign nationals are detected and deported they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into a minority.

One of the most prominent examples of regional movements against outsiders is the Assam Movement, which took place from 1979 to 1985. During this period, the local Assamese people were concerned about the increasing population of Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh. They believed that this migration threatened their cultural identity and political power by potentially reducing them to a minority in their own state. The movement sought to identify and deport these immigrants, viewing them as illegal settlers.

Think of a neighborhood where longtime residents begin to feel overwhelmed by new arrivals. As the new residents start to take part in local politics and school systems, the original residents might feel their unique culture is at risk. This is similar to what happened in Assam, where locals feared losing their identity due to migration.

In 1979 the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), a students’ group not affiliated to any party, led an anti-foreigner movement. The movement was against illegal migrations, against the domination of Bengalis and other outsiders, and against faulty voters’ register that included the names of lakhs of immigrants.

In response to their fears of demographic changes, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) organized an anti-foreigner movement beginning in 1979. This movement was characterized by its grassroots approach, with students rallying support from the community to address what they viewed as illegal immigration and the threats posed by outsiders. They also protested against the voters' registry, which they claimed erroneously included names of many immigrants, undermining the electoral process.

Consider a school student council that feels overwhelmed by new policies decided by the administration without consulting them. The council might start a campaign to demand their voices be heard and to ensure the interests of long-time students are protected. This mirrors how AASU mobilized to ensure the perspectives of Assamese locals were represented in political discourse.

Eventually after six years of turmoil, the Rajiv Gandhi-led government entered into negotiations with the AASU leaders, leading to the signing of an accord in 1985. However, the Assam accord brought peace and changed the face of politics in Assam, but did not solve the problem of immigration. The issue of the ‘outsiders’ continues to be a live issue in the politics of Assam and many other places in the North-East.

After six tumultuous years marked by protests and civil unrest, a significant resolution was reached in 1985 when the government agreed to negotiate with AASU leaders. This led to the Assam Accord, which aimed to address the concerns surrounding illegal immigration. Although the accord did succeed in bringing temporary peace to Assam's political landscape, it did not fully resolve the underlying issue of immigration and local identity. Tensions concerning outsiders have persisted and remain an important topic in regional politics.

Imagine a community that successfully negotiates a new agreement with local authorities about governance, but still deals with ongoing tensions around new housing developments that change the neighborhood's character. Even when agreements are made, past grievances and future concerns may linger, just as they have in Assam.

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