Intricate inter-play of diverse factors has been the force multipliers for extremism in the North East. Discuss. Suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of extremism in this region.

The frontier states of North-East India is plagued by insurgency and extremism due to interplay of diverse factors. We have to address this to make them frontier to developed states (ASHTAKSYAM – PM MODI). Interplay of Diverse Factors: 1. Ethnic factors - Diversity in language, customs, heritage-grievances - R Melti Kuki 20 2. External factor - aided by Myanmar, R China 3. Systemic factors - Safehaven in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh

3. Governance factors - Lack of attention post-independence, lead to intermingling with mainstream (2) governance-defit - sixth schedule only 4 states - Assam Tripura, Mizoram Meghalaya 4. Geography - Isolation, dense forests, porous borders (2) Access to guns/ammunition - via smuggling 5. Other factors - Closure to golden triangle (2) Access to guns/ammunition - via smuggling Multi-layered strategy 1. Governance - Increased democratic autonomy on the line of 6th schedule - assessment of reservation allocation in Manipur

2. Finance - a.) allocation of dedicated package for development - Rs 25000 cr recently, 2.2) DoNER - dedicated ministering 3. Infrastructure - 3.1) International collaboration - NE as a frame hub for export, IMT-India-Myanmar-Thailand HW - BDIN HW development 4. Surrender vs verbal policy - helping in rehabitation of volunteer surrendering 5. Industry Parks - employment generation - tapping hydro-generation - potential, equitable development 6. Force deployment - strengthening border security force 7. Border infra - surveillance - NE extremism is in hustle to national and regional development

— Kiran Kamate · AIR 53