Ethnic movements in the North-East part of India have emerged as significant social and political phenomena, shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, economic, and political factors. The region, comprising eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim—has witnessed several ethnic movements, many of which are rooted in demands for autonomy, recognition of identity, and self-determination. These movements are primarily fueled by ethnic, linguistic, and cultural factors, with roots in the distinctiveness of the region's indigenous communities.

One of the primary causes of ethnic movements in the North-East is the feeling of alienation experienced by various indigenous groups due to their distinct ethnic, cultural, and linguistic identities. The region is home to over 200 ethnic communities, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. These communities often perceive themselves as different from the rest of India, and historical factors like colonial rule and post-independence state-building policies have aggravated these differences. The British colonial policies, including the creation of artificial boundaries, sowed the seeds of ethnic divisions that later manifested in the form of demands for autonomy or secession. The region’s diverse ethnic composition, along with varying socio-political aspirations, led to the rise of regional movements for ethnic and cultural preservation.

The imposition of national policies from the central government, often without adequate consultation with local communities, also exacerbated the discontent in the North-East. The migration of people