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By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 POST INDEPENDENCE ASSAM ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE...

By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 POST INDEPENDENCE ASSAM ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Refugee influx Post independence Assam Reason Challenges Partition Religious persecution Partition Liberation war of Bangladesh Lost proper connectivity with mainland India Lost accessibility to sea Magnitude Refugee influx Between 1947 and 1971, Assam witnessed an influx of approximately 1.5 million refugees. The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War further escalated the situation, with another wave of refugees crossing into Assam. Impact Strain on resources: No adequate food, shelter or infrastructure for the refugees. Socio-economic impact: exacerbated unemployment and poverty. Cultural and demographic changes. Later developments Assam Movement – Assam Accord (1985) Implementation challenges By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Disintegration and formation of new states Post independence Assam Factors responsible Challenges Colonial administration The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873. Partition Creation of excluded and partially excluded. Lost proper connectivity with mainland India Discrimination Lost accessibility to sea Social discrimination. Refugee influx Assamese chauvinism. Disintegration and formation of new states Assamese elite refused to share the political power. Rise of tribal middle class Introduction of modern education. Spread of Christianity. Identity crisis Aspirations for self determination Creation of sixth schedule As per the recommendations of “North East Frontier (Assam) Tribal and Excluded Areas” committee. Could not fulfil the aspirations Language issue Assamese was made the official language in 1960. ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Disintegration and formation of new states Post independence Assam Formation of new states Challenges 1. Nagaland Naga National Council (NNC) declared Naga independence Partition on August 14, 1947 Lost proper connectivity with mainland India Under A.Z. Phizo, NNC led the insurgency, demanding Lost accessibility to sea complete independence from India. Refugee influx NNC claimed that 99% of Nagas voted for independence in a Disintegration and formation of new states controversial plebiscite in 1951. Imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the Naga Hills in 1958. Naga Federal Government (NFG) and Naga Federal Army (NFA) were formed in the mid-1950s to spearhead the armed struggle. To address some of the Naga demands, the Indian government created the state of Nagaland on December 1, 1963, with special constitutional provisions under Article 371(A). By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Disintegration and formation of new states Post independence Assam Formation of new states Challenges 1. Nagaland 2. Meghalaya Partition Tribal Aspirations: The Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes sought Lost proper connectivity with mainland India to protect their cultural heritage and political rights, distinct Lost accessibility to sea from the Assamese majority. Refugee influx Autonomous Movements: The All Party Hill Leaders Disintegration and formation of new states Conference (APHLC) spearheaded the movement for a separate state, emphasizing the need for autonomy and self- governance for hill tribes. Autonomous status: Through the Assam Reorganization (Meghalaya) Act, 1969, Meghalaya was established as an autonomous state within Assam in 1970, with its own legislature and council of ministers. Full statehood in 1972: Meghalaya became a separate state of the Indian Union, fully independent of Assam ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Disintegration and formation of new states Post independence Assam Formation of new states Challenges 1. Nagaland 2. Meghalaya Partition 3. Mizoram Lost proper connectivity with mainland India After independence, Lushai Hills remained a part of Assam. Lost accessibility to sea Mizo Cultural Society was formed in 1954, which later Refugee influx evolved into the Mizo National Famine Front (MNFF) due to Disintegration and formation of new states the Mautam famine. 1966 – 86: MNF led armed insurgency against the Indian government, declaring independence for Mizoram. Mizoram was made a UT in 1972. Mizo peace accord was signed in 1986. In 1987, Mizoram got the statehood. By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Disintegration and formation of new states Post independence Assam Formation of new states Challenges 1. Nagaland 2. Meghalaya Partition 3. Mizoram Lost proper connectivity with mainland India 4. Arunachal Pradesh Lost accessibility to sea Known initially as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Refugee influx Strategic importance due to its location near China and its Disintegration and formation of new states distinct tribal cultures were significant. The Indian government recognized the need for better administration and development in the area. In 1972, NEFA was renamed Arunachal Pradesh and granted Union Territory status. Statehood given in 1987. ASSAM – POST INDEPENDENCE Disintegration and formation of new states Post independence Assam Formation of new states Challenges 1. Nagaland 2. Meghalaya Partition 3. Mizoram Lost proper connectivity with mainland India 4. Arunachal Pradesh Lost accessibility to sea 5. Manipur Refugee influx Instrument of Accession was signed by Maharaja Disintegration and formation of new states Bodhchandra Singh in 1949. Under the States Reorganization Act, 1956, it was declared a Union territory Manipur attained the full statehood in 1972. 6. Tripura Before independence, Tripura was a princely state ruled by the Manikya dynasty. In 1949, Maharani Kanchan Prava Devi, the regent for the minor Maharaja Kirit Bikram Kishore Manikya, signed the Instrument of Accession. States Reorganization Act, 1956 declared Tripura a UT. Tripura attained the full statehood in 1972. By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  Gauhati University was established (1948)  Gauhati High Court was established (1948) GOPINATH BORDOLOI  Guwahati station of All India Radio was (1946 – 1950) established (1948) MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  First Assembly election in 1952.  Total seats 108  Voting – 50%  No nomination from Nagaland.  Female candidate – 6 (only one won)  No female minister.  Main challenges BISHNURAM MEDHI  Demand of independent Nagaland under Phizo (1950 – 1957)  99.9% Naga voted in favour of ending relation with India on 16th May, 1951 1st Assembly election – 1952  Rebellion of the communists.  Refinery movement.  Central govt. finally decided to set up the refinery in Guwahati along with Barauni.  Bodo Sahitya Sabha was formed in 1952  Panchayat system of governance was introduced  Made the governor of Madras. By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  Voting – 45.44%  Female candidate – 6 (won 5)  One female minister – (Usha Barthakur)  AFSPA imposed in Nagaland in 1958  Mizo National Front under Laldenga formed in 1961.  Assam’s second refinery at Noonmati was inaugurated by Nehru (1962)  63rd Session of Congress in Guwahati (1958) BIMALAPRASAD CHALIHA  Saraighat Bridge was inaugurated (1964) (1957 – 1970)  Language revolt of Assam (1959-60)  The Assam Official Language Act was passed in 1960, declaring 2nd Assembly election – 1957 Assamese as the official language of the state.  Unrest in the Barak Valley. The Bengali-speaking population perceived this as a threat to their linguistic and cultural identity. On May 19, 1961, 11 individuals died in police firing in Barak valley. This day is commemorated as Bhasha Shahid Divas in the Barak Valley.  The the Assam government amended the Act in 1961 to accommodate Bengali as the official language in the Barak Valley. MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  Voting – 51.05%  Female candidate – 4 (won 4)  No female minister BIMALAPRASAD CHALIHA  Chinese aggression in 1962. (1957 – 1970)  Nehru blamed the communists.  Government took action against the communists. Bishnu Rabha, 2nd Assembly election – 1957 Gaurishankar Bhattacharya, Haren Kalita, etc. arrested. 3rd Assembly election - 1962 Seats reduced to 105 in 1962. By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  Voting – 61.83%  Female candidate – 8 (won 5)  No female minister  Bishnu Rabha (Tezpur), Bhupen Hazarika (Naoboicha) won.  Plain Tribe Council formed. BIMALAPRASAD CHALIHA  Second refinery movement in Assam (1957 – 1970)  Indian government announced 7 new refinery in India, not any in Assam. 2nd Assembly election – 1957  Finally Central government announced the third refinery in 3rd Assembly election – 1962 Bongaigaon (1970). 4th Assembly election - 1967  Due to health issued, Chaliha decided to resign in 1970. succeeded by Mahendra Mohan Chaudhury. Seats increased to 126 in 1967. MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  Ashok Paper Mill at Jogighopa  Jute factory at Silghat  Refugee problem because of Bangladesh liberation war.  Meghalaya given the status of a new state MAHENDRA MOHAN  Fell prey to internal politics  Congress high command conveyed their wish to make changes in CHOUDHURY leadership. He humbly agreed. (1970 – 1972)  He was appointed the governor of Punjab in 1973 By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM)  Voting – 60.85%  Female candidate – 10 (won 7)  Hiteswar Saikia (Nazira), Anowara Taimur (Mongoldoi) won.  Capital shifted to Dispur.  Medium movement (Madhyam Andolan)  GU declared Assamese as medium in instruction in 1972. SARAT CHANDRA SINHA  For 10 years English will remain as alternative. (1972 – 1978)  Protest in Cachar.  Assam government decided to set up new university in Cachar and 5th Assembly election – 1972 reduce the area under GU.  AASU and Assam Sahitya Sabha protested Seats reduced to 114 in 1972.  Later on the government instructs the Gauhati University not to be strict with the language policy.  Tried to reduce the revenue expenditure.  National emergency. MAINS – GS V (ASSAM) No. of voters increased from previous election 1962: 4.47 L 1967: 5.06 L 1972: 8.79 L 1978: 16.45 L Golap Barbara Golap Borbora (1978 – 1979) First Non-Congress chief minister of Assam. Jogendr Nath Hazarika (1979) Laid the foundation of Kaliabhomora bridge Violation of Kohima pact (encroachment in Doyang Reserved Syda Anowara Taimur (1980-81) Forest). Thousands of Assamese were massacred on 5th Kesab Chandra Gogoi (1982) January, 1979. By-election in Mangaldoi constituency. AASU demanded (1978 – 1983) removal of the names of illegal migrants from the voter list. Jogendranath Hazarika Assam Movement at its peak. 6th Assembly election – 1978 Jogendranath Hazarika had to resign The first President’s rule in post independence Assam. Seats increased to 126 in 1978. Anwara Taimur Second President’s rule from June, 1981 to January 1982 Kesab Gogoi Chief minister for 65 days only. Couldn’t prove majority. By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM) 1983 election – violence and low voter turnout. Assamese called this election illegitimate. 1983 – Passing of IMDT Act further aggravated the situation. 1983-85 – Political negotiations. 1985 – signing of Assam Accord. Clause 5: Prior to 1.1.1966: regularise 1.1.1966 – 24.03.1971: Names shall be deleted from the Hiteswar Saikia electoral role and will be regularised after 10 years. After 25.03.1971 (inclusive): detect, delete and deport. (1983 – 1985) Clause 6: constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to 7th Assembly election – 1983 protect the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Assamese people. MAINS – GS V (ASSAM) Rise of ULFA Formed in 1979. Engaged in violent activities against the government. During AGP government (1985-90) ULFA became more powerful. Discord between ULFA and AGP in 1988. Prafulla Mahanta Assam slipped into Anarchy. 29 December, 1990, President rule imposed in Assam. (1985 – 1990) Operation Bajrang (Nov,1990- April, 1991) Operation under general Ajay Singh. AFSPA imposed. 1121 ULFA cadres arrested. 8th Assembly election – 1985 By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM) Congress government (1991-96) and operation Rhino (1991) Within 24 hours of oath taking ULFA kidnapped 15 senior government and PSU officials from different places in Assam. Thousands were arrested under operation Rhino. By December, ULFA declared unilateral ceasefire. ULFA vs SULFA A faction wanted to sit with the government for negotiation (pro- Hiteswar Saikia talk) (1991 – 1996) Hardliner faction led by Paresh Barua refused to negotiate and did not allow the peace talk to progress (anti-talk) Surrendered ULFA (SULFA) got organized themselves. 9th Assembly election – 1991 Many people died in ULFA vs SULFA conflict. Hiteswar Saikia died in April 1996. Dr. Bhumidhar Barman acted as the Chief Minister for remaining days. MAINS – GS V (ASSAM) AGP’s second term (1996-2001) In May 1996, Parag Kumar Das, executive editor of Asomiya Pratidin was assassinated. a full-fledged counter insurgency operation was launched. The Unified Command Structure (state police and para military forces) came into being in 1997. Social workers and activist Sanjay Ghosh was assassinated by ULFA in July 1997. Prafulla Mahanta Secret killings Many innocent relatives of top ULFA leaders, were killed. (1996 – 2001) A bloody clash ensured between ULFA and SULFA. Many innocent people died between 1998 and 2001. Congress came to power in 2001 10th Assembly election – 1996 By Chinmoy Bordoloi 20-08-2024 MAINS – GS V (ASSAM) EVM machine used for the first time in four constituencies of Kamarup. Bodo peace accord signed with BLT. ULFA Operation All Clear, (2003) The first operation ever conducted by the Royal Bhutan Army launched. More than 120 ULFA militants were killed. Militants relocated themselves in Bangladesh. Tarun Gogoi Peace Talk (subsequent developments) Pro-Talk faction of ULFA formed a “People’s Consultative Group” (2001 - 2016) headed by writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami in 2005 to prepare grounds for an eventual negotiation between the government and ULFA, which the government welcomed. 11th Assembly election – 2001 Hardliner faction led by Paresh Barua refused to participate in the peace process. The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a tripartite peace deal with the Centre and the Assam government on December 29, 2023.