Making of India's Northeast, Geopolitics of Borderland and Transnational Interactions

摘要

That the Northeast was a prosperous region at the time of Independence and that it has lagged far behind now because of New Delhi's 'neglect' of this sensitive frontier area and 'colonial pattern of exploitation' of its resources, is an oft-repeated refrain of academics from the Northeast. The severance of transportation links with neighbouring countries and consequent loss of traditional markets because of the partition is also attributed as a reason for the region losing its economic vitality. So, the argument goes, in order to liberate the Northeast from the 'territorial trap' and usher in economic prosperity, it is imperative to integrate the region with the countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia economically and culturally, through improved connectivity.