At the time of independence and for decades afterwards, Assam and the northeastern states were regarded as the frontier outposts of the country, with major concerns that this region had not truly integrated with the rest of the country.
The northeast on its part had always felt neglected by the Centre and the states complained bitterly of step-motherly treatment by New Delhi. But things are changing and the BJP’s loud nationalist pitch, coupled with generous development funds for this long-neglected region, seems to be making a dent.
Hindutva forces are at work, integrating this far-flung region of the country to mainland India. This is more so in Assam, Manipur and Tripura, where the BJP is ruling, then in the Christian hill states ( Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland) where the BJP has sewn up alliances with regional outfits.
The northeast region always saw itself apart from the rest of the country. It is but natural that this region has witnessed a spate of insurgencies.
Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland were once a part of the composite state of Assam, with Shillong as the capital. Present Arunachal was designated as North Eastern Frontier Area (NEFA) and was loosely administered by the British.