Sub-National border conflict between Assam and Nagaland: A case study of Uriamghat

Abstract

Inter-state conflicts at the sub-national level, compared to other conflicts between groups, have been a recurring feature in post-independent India. These conflicts have devastating effects on human lives, property and the environment. The conflicts taking place in the Assam–Nagaland border are of serious concern to social scientists. The main purpose of this case study is to contribute to an understanding of some of the historical reasons for the Assam-Nagaland border conflicts and their root causes. Further, this paper tries to understand “How and why do postcolonial policies of border demarcation lead to persisting border conflicts between groups living on both sides of the border?” The study has been conducted based on focus group discussions and interviews with the communities living along the border of Assam and Nagaland. The data has also been collected from Secondary sources.