Concept Note:
The North East India comprises of 8 states, namely
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. The North
East India is the home of more than 220 ethnic
groups. It is also evident that out of the 325
languages listed in the ‘People of India’ project of
Anthropological Survey of India, 1985, 175 belong to
the Tibeto-Burman ethnic group residing in the
region.
The North East India comprised of three
administrative units, such as, the British India
Province of Assam and the two princely states of
Manipur and Tripura in pre-independent era.
Accordingly, different pattern of governance for
administering North East India or the erstwhile
Assam was also opted namely, normal provincial
administration for Assam, rule of Maharaja with
suzerain power to British in Manipur and Tripura and
exclusion of Hill Areas of undivided Assam from
reform. In fact, autonomy movements and politics of
regionalism have been experienced in the region
since colonial era. In fact, autonomy movements and
politics of regionalism are interlinked and inseparable
particularly in the context of North East India.
Autonomy movement emerges out of the ethnic
consciousness and urge for preservation of ethnic
identity. The strong urge for autonomy led to the
formation of political parties; and autonomy
movements in extreme form culminated into
activities of insurgency and secessionism. In this
regard, the formation and activities of Khasi National
Durbar, Naga Club and Naga National Council in preindependent era could be cited. It is evident that
ethnic dimension has been one of the most
important components of regionalism in North East
India. Formation of Garo National Council (GNC) in
Garo Hills, Mizo Union (M.U) and United Mizo
Freedom Organisation (UMFO) in Lushai Hills, Eastern
India Tribal Union (EITU) and All Party Hill Leaders
Conference (APHLC) in hill areas of undivided Assam
was in pursuance of desire for autonomy which
emerged in the form of politics of regionalism only.
Autonomy movements and the desire of tribals of the
North East India for autonomy culminated in to the
incorporation of the Sixth Schedule to the
Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly.
However, the Naga National Council (NNC) led by A.Z.
Phizo rejected the Sixth Schedule provision and the
NNC movement for autonomy resulted into
secessionism. The secessionist movement of the NNC
in Nagaland was followed by Mizo National Front
(MNF) in Mizoram, People Liberation Army (PLA) and
United National Liberation Front (UNLF) in Manipur,
United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) in Assam
and Tripura National Volunteer (TNV) of Tripura etc
in the North Eastern Region. In such a way
regionalism in extreme form has resulted in
insurgency and secessionist movement.
Politics of regionalism in North East India was
advocated and championed after independence
among the hill districts of undivided Assam by The
Eastern India Tribal Union (EITU) and All Party Hill
leader Conference (APHLC). Subsequently, four
states, namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya,
Mizoram and Nagaland have been created from
undivided Assam province as a result of the
autonomy movements and politics of regionalism.
Regionalism becomes a striking feature of Indian
Political system in general and North East India in
particular. Thus, the feeling of regionalism and desire
for autonomy consequently led to the formation of
regional parties in all the states of North East India in
the post independent era. Regional parties claim
themselves as voices of the region and they try to fill
up the power vacuum. On the other hand, autonomy
movement of various dimensions has been found in
the region up till now. So, it is high time that
intellectual, academic community, bureaucrats and
political leadership of the region ponder over the
problems and academically deliberate so as to assess
the problems with objectively.
Keeping the above objectives in mind a national
seminar is being proposed in which the following
sub-themes can be deliberated upon by the
delegates.
Sub-Themes
1. Autonomy movement and ethnic issues.
a) Concept of autonomy and its status in
colonial period.
b) Internal Displacement and Migration
c) Movement for autonomy.
d) Ethnic relations: Tensions and conflicts.
e) Insurgency.
f) North Eastern Areas Re-organization Act, 1972
and Re-organization of the region.
2. Politics of Regionalism.
a) Genesis and emergence of regional parties.
b) Role of regional parties in creation of U.T,
States and other constitutional bodies.
c) Nature, functioning and role of regional parties
in governance and socio-economic
development.
d) Achievement and drawback of regional parties.
e) Status of regional parties vis–a-vis relationship
with national parties.
3.Democratic Decentralization and Local Government.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Status of the Sixth Schedule and its functioning.
The Fifth Schedule.
PRI.
Non PRI-Traditional Village and Local Administration.
Accommodation and TA:
Accommodation will be arranged for outstation
participants on advance request. Accommodation
will be provided on twin sharing basis for
outstation
participant
(Research
Scholar).
Organizer will not provide TA for paper presenter.
Selected outstation paper presenters are
encouraged to arrange financial support for their
TA from their parent organisation. However, paper
selected from Research Scholar may be provided
TA in land route.
Climate:
The temperature of Aizawl during the month of
March is normally bright, sunny and pleasant. It is
likely to be between 18—24 Degree Celsius.
Registration Fee:
a) Outstation Participant: Rs 1500/b) Local participant: Rs 700/c) Research Scholar of Mizoram University: Rs 500/**Outstation participants have to pay the
Registration fee on arrival of the Venue.
Registration fee includes Seminar Kits, snack
and Lunch during Seminar.
Contact Address:
Call for Papers
Papers relating to above themes are invited from
academia, professional, NGOs/activists, media
persons, research scholar and students.
Scholars who are interested to participate in the
Seminar may send research paper to the Seminar
Coordinator or Joint Coordinator. An abstract of
the paper not exceeding more than 500 words (not
more than one page) may be sent through email—
mzupoliticalscience@gmail.com
A Two Day
National Seminar
On
AUTONOMY MOVEMENTS AND
POLITICS OF REGIONALISM IN NORTH
EAST INDIA
Important dates to Remember:
a) Last date of Submission of Abstract:
30th September 2014.
b) Intimation of Acceptance of Abstract:
10th October 2014.
c) Last date of submission of Full Paper:
10th December 2014.
11th& 12th March 2015
#Submission of full paper after last date will not
be entertained in any manner.
## Referencing of full paper should be APA Format.
Publications:
Selected paper will be published in the form of an
edited Volume with ISBN number. Regarding the
selection of papers for publication, the decision of
the Editorial Board shall be final and binding.
Organized by
Department of Political Science
Mizoram University, Aizawl, India.
a) Dr. J Doungel
Convener of the Seminar & Head of
Department
Department of Political Science,
Mizoram University.
Cell Phone No--+919436148905
Sponsored by
b) Dr. AyangbamShyamkishor
Joint Convener
Department of Political Science
Mizoram University.
Cell Phone No--+919436351749
NERC, Shillong & Mizoram University.