Regionalism as an Internal Security Challenge in India- Explained Pointwise

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Regional movements in India have often transcended into separatist movements like the Bodoland movement. This has often posed grave threats to the Internal security of India. In this article, we will further delve into the issue in detail.

What is Regionalism?

Regionalism refers to the collective identity, loyalty, and shared purpose of people in a specific geographical region, often rooted in common language, culture, and historical experiences.
In its positive form, regionalism fosters unity, brotherhood, and the protection of regional interests, promoting the welfare and development of the state and its people.
However, in its negative form, it may lead to excessive regional loyalty, creating divisive tendencies that threaten the unity and integrity of the nation posing as an internal security challenge in India.

History of Regional Movements in India

• Origin in Colonial Era: Regional consciousness emerged from colonial policies, differential treatment of princely states vs. presidencies, and economic neglect, which created regional disparities.
• Movements in Southern India: Regionalism gained momentum with the Dravida Movement (Non-Brahmin movement) in the 1940s demanding an independent Tamil state, later inspiring the call for a separate Andhra.
• Potti Sri Ramulu’s Role: The death of Potti Sri Ramulu during the 1954 fast for Andhra statehood triggered mass political regionalism across India.
• States Reorganisation Committee: Widespread revolts led to the States Reorganisation Committee (headed by Fazal Ali), recommending linguistic reorganisation; the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 made linguistic states a reality.
• Insurgencies in Northeast India: Tribal insurgencies in the 1970s–80s resulted in the North-Eastern States Reorganisation Act, 1971, granting statehood to Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya and later elevating Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh to states (1986).
• 21st Century Changes: Strong regional deprivation movements in the 2000s led to the creation of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand; in 2014, Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh.

Forms of Regionalism in India

• Cultural Regionalism: Arises from the urge to preserve a region’s cultural, linguistic, and historical identity. In India’s diverse socio-cultural landscape, regions seek recognition of their uniqueness.
  • The demand for Telangana reflected its distinct cultural identity within Andhra Pradesh.
• Economic Regionalism: Driven by perceptions of economic disadvantage, inadequate resource allocation, and lack of development. Regions demand a larger share of resources and greater economic autonomy.
  • Calls for separate states in regions of Bihar or Uttar Pradesh often stem from such economic concerns.
• Political Regionalism: Refers to the assertion of regional political power, with leaders mobilizing regional sentiments for autonomy or influence. Parties like Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, and DMK advance regional agendas and challenge national parties such as the INC and BJP.
• Secessionist Regionalism: The most extreme form, where regions seek complete independence due to historical cultural, religious, or political marginalization. Key examples include the Kashmir conflict and insurgencies in the Northeastern states.

Factors Behind Regionalism in India

• Linguistic and Cultural Identity: Regionalism often stems from strong linguistic or cultural consciousness. For instance, the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu was driven primarily by linguistic identity.
• Ethnocentrism: Native populations may claim exclusive ownership over regional issues, creating an insider– outsider divide. The idea of Marathi Manoos in Maharashtra exemplifies this exclusionary sentiment toward migrants from other states.
• Tribal Identity: Distinct socio-economic conditions and tribal cultural practices can reinforce regional aspirations. The demand for Jharkhand’s creation was rooted partly in its unique tribal heritage.
• Unequal Distribution of Resources: Perceived regional neglect or underdevelopment can intensify regionalist demands. The rise of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) in Darjeeling reflected grievances over disparities with South Bengal.
• Development and Administrative Issues: Feelings of marginalization in policy decisions, whether in resource allocation, employment, or infrastructure, also fuel regional assertions. Such concerns played a major role in the formation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh.

Impact of Regionalism on Internal Security of India

• Rise of Separatist Movements: Extreme forms of regionalism can escalate into secessionist demands, threatening territorial integrity.
  • Examples include movements in Kashmir, Khalistan Movement in Punjab (1980s), and parts of the Northeast (Greater Nagalim), which have led to insurgency and prolonged security operations.
• Intensification of Insurgencies:
  Regional grievances like economic neglect, cultural alienation, or administrative discrimination often fuel insurgencies.
  • The Northeast insurgencies and tribal uprisings in central India reflect how regional identity can transform into armed resistance.
• Ethnic and Communal Conflicts: Regionalism strengthens ethnic identities, sometimes leading to clashes between communities competing for land, jobs, and political space.
  • Conflicts like Bodo vs. non-Bodo, Meitei vs. Kuki, and Naga territorial claims pose serious internal security challenges.
• Migration-Related Tensions: The “sons of the soil” sentiment results in hostility toward migrants, leading to targeted violence, riots, and mass displacement.
  • Such tensions have surfaced in Maharashtra, Assam, and Manipur, disrupting law and order.
• Challenges to Law and Order: Regional parties or pressure groups may orchestrate bandhs, blockades, and violent protests to assert regional demands, disrupting governance and straining police and administrative machinery.
  • Example: prolonged blockades in Manipur.
• Political Radicalization: Regional political mobilization sometimes adopts radical narratives to gain local support, contributing to polarization and undermining national cohesion. This increases the vulnerability of youth to extremist recruitment.
• Strain on Federal Relations: Contestation over resources like water sharing, boundary disputes, development funds often escalates into inter-state tensions, requiring central intervention and complicating national security management.
  • For example Cauvery River Dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Economic Disruptions Affecting Security:
  Persistent regional unrest discourages investment, affects infrastructure projects, and creates zones of economic stagnation, which insurgent groups exploit to expand influence.

Measures Taken by the Government to Reduce Negative Impact of Regionalism in India

• Constitutional Measures

  • Federal Structure: The Constitution establishes cooperative federalism, accommodating regional aspirations through division of powers between the Union and States.

  • Special Provisions (Article 371 Series): Article 371A for Nagaland, 371B for Assam, 371C for Manipur, 371F for Sikkim, 371G for Mizoram, etc.,
    ensuring protection of tribal customs, administrative autonomy, and cultural identity.

  • Fifth and Sixth Schedules: Provide self-governance for Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas, particularly in Northeast India, reducing alienation.

  • Inter-State Council: Facilitates coordination, dialogue, and conflict resolution between states and the Centre.

• Legal and Institutional Measures

  • Linguistic Reorganisation of States (1956): The States Reorganisation Act reorganized boundaries on linguistic lines, reducing linguistic tensions.

  • Zonal Councils: Established to promote regional cooperation, reduce inter-state conflicts, and strengthen national integration.

  • National Human Rights Commission & Minorities Commission: Address grievances and protect vulnerable groups affected by regional discrimination.

• Policy Measures

  • National Integration Council (1961): Formed to counter communalism, casteism, linguism, and regionalism, and promote national harmony.

  • Industrial Policy Resolutions & Economic Policies: Aimed at reducing regional economic disparities by promoting balanced industrial growth.

  • Finance Commission Grants: State-specific grants, revenue-sharing, and fiscal devolution to support equitable development across states.

• Developmental and Administrative Measures

  • Targeted Development Programs: For example, Aspirational Districts Programme, Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF), North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme, aimed at bridging the development gap and reducing regional inequality.

  • Infrastructure Investments: Expansion of railways, highways, ports, and digital infrastructure to connect underdeveloped regions.

  • Special Packages: Bihar, Bundelkhand, Vidarbha, and Northeast states receive special assistance to address chronic backwardness.

• Security and Governance Measures

  • Peace Accords & Autonomy Arrangements: For example Mizo Accord (1986), Bodo Accords, Naga Peace Framework, providing autonomy and power-sharing to reduce secessionist tendencies.

  • Strengthening Local Governance: Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions and Autonomous Councils to address local needs effectively.

• Social & Cultural Measures

  • Promotion of National Integration: Cultural exchange programs, national service schemes, and celebration of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat to promote inter-regional understanding.

  • Language Policy: Recognition of 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule to respect India’s linguistic diversity and prevent linguistic alienation.

Way Forward

• Fostering National Unity: Promote an inclusive national identity through education and strengthen cultural exchange programmes to build a shared national outlook.
• Cultural Integration: Encourage frequent intercultural interactions to break regional barriers and deepen nationalist spirit. Initiatives like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat enhance inter-state understanding and cooperation.
• Strengthening Federalism: Empower states and local bodies and advance Cooperative Federalism to accommodate regional aspirations within the national framework.
• Inclusive Development: Implement targeted development programmes and infrastructure projects to reduce regional inequalities, boost economic growth, and create employment in backward areas.

• Functional Autonomy: Ensure state autonomy by limiting Union interference to situations of genuine national interest, thereby respecting the spirit of federalism.

Conclusion

Regionalism in India functions as a double-edged phenomenon. When channelled constructively, it strengthens inclusive governance, deepens democratic participation, and safeguards cultural identities. But when allowed to escalate or be politicized, it can undermine national cohesion and fuel divisive tendencies.

India must adopt a balanced strategy by addressing legitimate regional aspirations through constitutional provisions, economic development, and autonomy frameworks, while firmly resisting extremist or secessionist impulses. This balanced approach can turn regionalism from a challenge into a driver of national unity and progress.