8.7.2. The North East

The process of state formation initiated by the Indian government following the attainment of independence generated disquieting trends in all the major hill districts in the region. Conscious of their distinct identity and traditional autonomy, the tribes were unsure of being incorporated within the administrative machinery of Assam.

After India gained independence, the government began forming new states, which created unease among the hill tribes in India's North East. These tribes were aware of their unique cultural identities and traditional ways of self-governance. They felt uncertain about how their identities would fit into the new administrative systems of Assam, the state they were being included in.

Think of a group of friends who have always played together in their own way. Now, imagine a new rule is introduced that requires them to play by a strict set of guidelines that they are not comfortable with. The friends would naturally feel anxious about how their unique style would fit into this new rule.

The rise of ethnicity in the region is thus a response to cope with the new situation which developed as a consequence of the tribes’ contact with a powerful alien system. Long isolated from the Indian mainstream the tribes were able to maintain their own worldview and social and cultural institutions with little external influence. …While the earlier phase showed a tendency towards secessionism, this trend has been replaced by a search for autonomy within the framework of the Indian Constitution (Nongbri 2003: 115).

As tribes in the North East came into contact with the Indian government's existing systems, they felt the need to assert their ethnic identities. Initially, some tribes sought complete separation from larger political systems, but over time this desire transformed into a need for autonomy—meaning they wanted to govern themselves and maintain their traditions while still being part of India.

Imagine a child who grows up in a distinct culture, perhaps living in a unique neighborhood. When they move to a new school that has different customs, at first, they might want to separate completely from the new environment. However, as they adapt, they may want to preserve their own cultural practices while fitting into the school community.

One of the key issues that bind tribal movements from different parts of the country is the alienation of tribals from forest lands. In this sense ecological issues are central to tribal movements. Just as cultural issues of identity and economic issues such as, inequality, are.

A significant concern for tribal groups across India is losing their traditional forest lands to outside interests, which alienates them from their resources and livelihood. Thus, ecological issues—nature preservation and rights to land—are crucial for these movements. Additionally, these struggles intertwine with cultural identity and economic inequalities that exist within society.

Consider a gardener who has cultivated a special type of flower garden for generations. If developers come in to take away the land for a new building, the gardener not only loses their land but also the essence of their family's heritage. This situation illustrates how environmental concerns are intricately connected to personal and cultural identity.

--