North-East India is the easternmost region of India consisting of the following states:

• Nagaland
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Mizoram
• Manipur
• Meghalaya
• Tripura
• Sikkim
• Assam

Sikkim became an Indian protectorate in 1947 and a full state in 1975. The other states, except Sikkim, form what are called the Seven Sister States.

The states border Myanmar, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. However they share only a 50 km common border with the rest of India. Due to this the states have been away from the Indian mainstream. This has kept them politically and culturally apart. Due to this there is discontentment and demands for independence are being raised by the Nagas, ULFA, and Bodos. The residents are more closely related to the Mongoloid race rather than people from most other parts of India.

The region is known for its unique culture, handicrafts, martial arts, and scenic beauty. Problems include insurgency, joblessness, drugs, and lack of infrastructure.

External Links

• Generals as Governors: The parallel political system of Northeast India (http://www.himalmag.com/june2001/essay.html) Sanjib Baruah, Himal Magazine, June 2001