Politics in the Margins: Exploring Ethno-Political Issues in Northeast India 2024

CALL FOR PAPERS

Politics in the Margins: Exploring Ethno-Political Issues in Northeast India

An Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) sponsored Three-Day National Seminar organised by the Department of Political Science, Tetso College

23rd - 25th October 2024

ABSTRACT

The diverse ethnic communities in the Northeast, each with its cultural heritage and aspirations, contribute to the emergence of ethno-political issues. These issues, closely tied to ethnic identities, influence political dynamics, governance structures, and socio-economic policies, leading to tensions, conflicts, and challenges that impact the region’s overall stability and development. The region is home to numerous ethnic communities, each with its unique cultural heritage and aspirations. The interplay of historical factors, socio-economic disparities, and contested identities has given rise to ethno-political issues that significantly influence the region’s political dynamics. Understanding these challenges is essential for fostering sustainable development, social harmony, and inclusive governance in Northeast India.

Ethno-political issues in this context pertain to conflicts closely tied to ethnic identities, shaping political dynamics, governance structures, and socio-economic policies. The mosaic of diverse ethnic communities, each with distinct cultural backgrounds, languages, and historical roots, becomes central to political considerations, often leading to tensions, conflicts, and challenges affecting overall stability and development. Key aspects of these ethno-political challenges include the role of ethnicity in shaping political affiliations, cultural differences contributing to tensions, ethnic conflicts and insurgencies advocating for protection and advancement, governance challenges arising from ethnic diversity, lasting impacts of colonial history on ethnic relations, and socio-economic disparities leading to feelings of marginalization.

Effectively addressing these challenges requires a nuanced understanding of the historical context, cultural dynamics, and socio-economic factors at play. Strategies for peacebuilding, inclusive governance, and economic development must consider the diverse ethnic identities to foster long-term stability and harmony. Recognized as a matter of National Importance by the Union Government due to the region’s strategic geopolitical position, the proposed seminar and academic discussions seek to illuminate these complexities and explore potential solutions for sustainable development and peace in Northeast India.

OBJECTIVES

The conference seeks to:

  1. Facilitate in-depth understanding by fostering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the ethno-political issues in Northeast India.
  2. Examine historical roots by exploring the historical antecedents and colonial legacies.
  3. Analyse contemporary dynamics of ethnic politics in shaping the political landscape.
  4. Evaluate the dynamics of conflicts and insurgencies rooted in ethnic issues, and assess the effectiveness of peacebuilding strategies.
  5. Assess the governance structures in place and explore models that promote inclusivity and respect the diverse identities within the region.
  6. Exploring how development policies can either exacerbate or alleviate ethnic tensions.
  7. Formulate context-specific policy recommendations based on research findings.
  8. Facilitate networking opportunities and collaborative dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, activists, and community representatives.
  9. Disseminate conference proceedings to contribute to public awareness, education, and informed discourse on the ethno-political issues faced by the region.

 

SUBTHEMES & CONTRIBUTION DETAILS

The conference invites scholars, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to submit their original and unpublished papers for consideration on any one of the following thematic areas related to Northeast India:

  1. Historical Perspectives on Ethno-Political Issues
  2. Identity, Culture, and Political Mobilization
  3. Conflict Dynamics and Peacebuilding Strategies
  4. Governance Models for Ethno-Political Harmony
  5. Cross-Border Issues
  6. India’s Geopolitics and the Northeast
  7. Human Rights and Tribal Politics
  8. Sustainable Peace and Development
  1. Struggle over Land and Resources
  2. Integrating the Ethno-Political Issues of the Northeast
  3. Media’s Role in Shaping Narratives on Ethno-Political Issues
  4. Role of Civil Societies and NGOs
  5. Law and Governance
  6. Role of Women in Ethno-Political Issues
  7. Contemporary Socio-Economic Issues in Northeast India

Schedule

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Book of Abstracts

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GUIDELINES

• Authors must ensure that the papers are original works, have not been published and are not currently under consideration of any other publication. under consideration of any other publication.
• They must warrant that their contribution does not infringe on any copyright or trademark right of other authors.
• Authors must follow the APA style guide.
• Plagiarism will not be tolerated and all papers will be scanned using plagiarism detection software.
• Selected papers will be published in a book with an ISBN, to be published by the Department of Political Science, Tetso College. The article processing fee for the papers selected for publication will be intimated later.
• Certificates (hard copy) will be awarded only to those presenters who submit their full paper.

ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Professor M. Amarjeet Singh is a Professor at the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi where he teaches courses on social conflict, and society and politics of India’s northeast. His research interest focuses on conflict studies, identity politics and migration studies as well as society and politics of India’s Northeast. Professor Singh has numerous central research grants and fellowships awarded to him from Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and North east Council (NEC).

Professor Singh has published numerous books and journal articles. Some of his recent works include Understanding Urbanisation in Northeast India: Issues and Challenges (Routledge, 2020), Northeast India and India’s Act East Policy: Identifying the Priorities (Routledge, 2019), Identity, Contestation and Development in Northeast India (Routledge, 2016), and also research books relating to Northeast India politics on Conflicts in Tripura (2014), The Naga Conflict (2012), Conflicts in Assam (2010), and Conflicts in Manipur (2010). In addition to these voluminous books, Professor Singh has numerous journal articles published in reputable journals and also have equally immense chapter contributions, reports, and media articles.

Equally impressive is his service toward his services to students. He has guided numerous M.Phil, Ph.D. scholars, and Post-Docs. Professor Singh has also served on many occasions as an editorial board member and reviewer for numerous reputable journals. He is also actively engaged among the scholarly community and has his memberships with
various academic associations.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

5TH JULY 2024

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATION

15TH JULY 2024

FULL PAPER SUBMISSION

15TH SEPTEMBER 2024

REGISTRATION FEES

  • Paper presenters – Working Professionals: ₹1000
  • Paper presenters – Research Scholars: ₹500
  • Paper presenters – PG students: ₹350
  • Co-presenters – Working Professionals: ₹500 (per presenter)
  • Co-presenters – Research Scholars: ₹250 (per presenter)
  • Seminar attendees – ₹250

*Names of both presenters will be mentioned on the certificates issued for papers with multiple authors.
*The registration fee covers stationery, lunch, snacks, and certificates.

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT LINK

Registration: bit.ly/ICSSRNationalSeminarReg
Last date of registration: 19th July, 2024
Payment: https://pages.razorpay.com/icssr-national-seminar
*Co-presenters must register separately.

DETAILS TO BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE ABSTRACT

Abstracts: 300 words (must include keywords)
Abstract submission: 5th July, 2024
Acceptance Notification: 15th July, 2024
Full papers: 4000 – 6000 words
Deadline for full papers submission: 15th September, 2024
Email ID for submission: polscienceseminar@tetsocollege.org
Name:
Designation: (Ph.D. Scholar, Assistant/Associate Professor, Independent Scholar)
Institutions/Organization of Affiliation:
Email:
Contact Number:
Postal Address:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  • Dr Salikyu Sangtam (Convenor)
    (Associate Professor, Department of Political Science), +91 70858 95726
  • Daniel Michal Khan
    (HoD, Department of Political Science), +91 98633 80172
  • Sushmita Hoshi Nongmeikapam
    (Asst. Professor, Political Science), +91 86386 96157

Email: polsciencedepartment@tetsocollege.org

Accomodation

Please Note: Attendees and presenters must arrange for their own accommodation. These are the recommended hotels from our end:

Hotel Fairmount (7th Mile, Chumoukedima)
Single Non-AC RoomINR. 800/-
Double Non-AC RoomINR. 1275/-
DeluxeINR. 1700/-
Mr. Heidi, Manager: +91-7005330788