Secession demands: Case study of India and Pakistan

India, as described in Article 1 of the constitution, is an indestructible union of destructible states. Any act of separation is unconstitutional and anti-India.

Indian and Pakistan were aftermath of similar circumstances- communalism, desire for sovereignty, and an inhumane transfer of population.

Ever since her independence, India has seen demands of statehood in Vidarbha, Harit Pradesh, Khalistan, Mithilanchal etc. States like Haryana, Gujarat, Mizoram, are byproducts of such demands. The demands of statehood are sought out of primitive nativism and naïve regionalism.

Meanwhile, the secession demands are made aggressively and directed against state, bearing unharmonious intent and favoring a smaller sub-community.

For this case study, we will take Manipur, India and Balochistan, Pakistan

Manipur: A north-eastern Indian state

A brief history of Manipur spans from the Meiti dynasty and colonial rule to the status of Union Territory in 1956 and grant of statehood in 1972.

The state has a distinct history and suffers from economic and infrastructural backwardness. Being landlocked, it had no railways until recently and has no waterways either. An ongoing border dispute with Assam, a relatively developed state, adds to the discontent. Let us look at few statistics

Main religions of state	Hinduism and Christianity
Poverty	38% in rural areas, 40% in urban and 55% in hilly areas
Main exponents of secession	United Revolutionary Front, now People’s Liberation Army Political Wing
Initial contact between the rebels and GoI	1990s
Ceasefire talks	1995
Peace accords	2005
PLA joins politics	2012
2015-23	Continues talks and steps to amend federal relations
Constitutional status	Sixth Schedule

Manipur has given up its demand for separation however sovereignty demands and the 2023 massacres, the religious targeting of Hindus temples and nit picking of incidents has put the state back to a sensitive position. According to the Kuki National Organization’s leader, Kuki- Zhamri groups are not secessionist rather the government is not following up with its 2008 tripartite peace deal between Manipur, the rebels and the GoI.

How did India tackle the secessionist demands?

A series of talks, negotiations rather power display and strict disciplinary control through AFSPA. The last has been criticized to lengths, however, given the remoteness of Manipur and need for a unified India, the application becomes a necessary evil.

Baloch: West Pakistan and secession

Balochistan, a resourceful region of Pakistan, with historic ties to the Ottoman Khalifa will now be under Chinese presence for at least 40 years. Gwadar was purchased by Pakistan, after a series of negotiations, in 1958.

Blockade of major cities like Mastung, Quetta, Gwadar, has led to inflation in fuel and food. Forced detentions, crackdown by protestors, basic human rights violations and a strict Islamic code on women are a few factors adding fuel to the Balochs’ fight for sovereignty. Over a series of 20 years, 7000 people have gone missing. The people are living in 1990s of Kashmir.

Also read: https://test.inpactimes.com/kashmir-horrors-of-the-valley/

A third party

USA’s interest in India’s internal affairs, Pakistan’s presence in Kashmir, India’s role in 1971 and now Chinese in Pakistan- a third party has rarely been a selfless mediator. CPEC has a lot to take from Balochistan, sovereignty and resources. Given the state of Pakistan and China’s debt trap, it will be a spiraling affair. The region accounts for 44% of the country’s landmass and yet continues to be one of most backward regions. Chinese involvement and Pakistan’s negligence has brought large crowds, led by both men and women. on roads.

Lessons to Pakistan

Be it India or Pakistan, human psychology, historical grandiosity and human emancipation/survival has motivated individuals to rebel and seek justice. Pakistan, like India, should learn the democratic way. Military has failed its governance and people. Holding talks, fulfilling promises and putting an end to ‘bend over to China’ policy will help.

Secession demands occur in any diverse country. Attempts to subdue them with force will backfire. A pacifist cum realist approach will be helpful. A stable and safer Pakistan will be helpful to India too.