After J&K losing its special status, is it now the turn for the northeastern states?

Guwahati: With the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, several speculations and apprehensions have also rose in some of the northeastern states of India. This is to be noted here that most of the northeastern states of the country are enjoying some special provisions under certain particular articles.

Nagaland is bestowed with Article 371A, Assam with Article 371B, Manipur with Article 371C and Sikkim and Mizoram with Article 371F. Just as Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status with the revocation of Article 370, there are apprehensions that the government might this time point towards one or even multiple northeastern states.

Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla has stated that this step by the central government can be taken as a red alert for the people in the northeast. He has taken to add that the Constitutional protection that has so long been enjoyed by states like Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal might come to an end. He has added that the repealing of Article 35A and 370 will lead to threatening Article 371G which has been safeguarding the interests and existence of lesser tribals of Mizoram.

On the other hand, the Nagaland government, headed by the Neiphiu Rio-led coalition government has chosen not to show any reaction at the recent issues. Being a BJP partner, the government has kept silence and similar is the attitude of the Naga Students’ Federation.

However, the newly appointed governor of Nagaland, RN Ravi has assured the people of the state by saying that there are no plans of the government to scrap Article 371(A) from the state. He said, “I would like to categorically assure you all that you do not have to worry at all. Article 371(A) is a solemn commitment to the people of Nagaland. It is a sacred commitment.”

There is a history of granting with the statehood status of each state located in northeast India. All northeastern states, except for Assam and Meghalaya, had remained Union Territories for a certain point of time after which only they were converted into states. However, Assam and Meghalaya were a state within a state before becoming a full-fledged states in1972. The remaining states were granted with statehood at different points of time, only after massive and often violent movements being carried out by its citizens.

Also read: Jammu & Kashmir loses its Special Status: Here are the major things to change in the state

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