UPSC Mains 2017 GS3 Q10 — Internal Security
The North-East region of India has been infested with insurgency for a very long time. Analyze the major reasons for the survival of armed insurgency in this region.(Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Analyze
- Scope keywords
- North-East region of Indiainfested with insurgencyvery long timesurvival of armed insurgency
- Implicit sub-parts
- Brief historical context/evolution of insurgency in the North-East
- Internal factors sustaining the conflict (geographical, ethnic, developmental)
- External/Trans-border factors facilitating survival
- Weaknesses in the state response or peace-building mechanisms that allow persistence
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too many words on the history of specific groups like ULFA or NSCN instead of focusing on 'survival' factors
- Neglecting the role of the 'Chicken's Neck' corridor and the porous international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh
- Failing to mention the transition of insurgency into organized crime and 'taxation' as a survival economy
- Overlooking the role of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) as a potential tool for recruitment/alienation
- Dimensions required
- Geographical (Terrain)Geopolitical (Cross-border sanctuaries)Socio-cultural (Ethnic identity)Economic (Underdevelopment and extortion)Political (Governance deficit)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 20 words for a crisp introduction identifying the complexity. Dedicate 100 words to a multi-dimensional analysis of survival reasons (split between internal and external factors). Use the final 30 words for a forward-looking conclusion on the recent shift towards peace accords and infrastructure integration.
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