Research Proposal for MAKAIAS, Kolkata ,2013 COMMUNAL VIOLENCE IN ASSAM A THREATE TO CO EXISTENCE IN NORTH -EAST ITS CAUSEES AND EFFECTS: A CASE STUDY OF KOKORAJHAR, DHUBRI, AND CHIRANG DISTRICTS OF ASSAM.

Gagan Nepal & Shiba Bhue

1-Introduction

Peep to the past- Despite several movements taken place in Assam it has been

regarded as a peaceful state of North – East India. It has multi-lingual and multi-

cultural society where the people of different caste, culture, religion and

community live together. There are many tribal and semi-tribal societies in this

state. The Assamese society has a secular nature having different religions in the

state with communal harmony. Though a large number of Muslim people live in

Assam there was no experience of communal violence in the state except Nellie

massacre in Nagaon district where 3000 people were killed during Assam

Movement. Assam experiences communal violence in 2012 when violent

outburst of conflict between indigenous Bodo Community and Bengali speaking

Muslim people increased ethnic tension in lower Assam especially in Kokrajhar

Chirang and Dhubari districts of the state.

In July 2012 two communities of Assam were in conflict in lower part of

the state. The ethnic communal clashes between Bodo and immigrant groups

converted into communal violence which broke out with riots between these

people. The first incident was reported had been taken place on 20th July 2012.

In the month of August the violence was so terrific that over 70 people were

killed and four lacks people have to be sheltered in different relief camps. Over

400 villages were affected and many people have been missing for many days.

The flow of speeches started from the both sides to clarify their

stands. The Bodo leaders blamed the illegal migration from Bangladesh for the

incident while Muslim leaders blamed the government for being failure to

protect and preserve the right and property of Indian citizens who belong to

Muslim religion. The political leaders got an issue to visit Assam for their

personal party benefits. The State Government expressed its helplessness to stop

the riots and criticized the Central Government for not providing enough

support to control the situation.

2- Aim and Objective of study:

Aim of the research is to have a comprehensive study over the problem its

causes and effect to Assam as well as to rest north east states in particular and

India in general.

1- To solve the communal violence aroused in Assam.

2- This study wants to facilitate the government as well as the non-

governmental organizations to find out the problems of the state.

3- These studies also facilitate to promote mutual understanding among

the people.

4- Helpful to find the bone of contention and prevent such incident at

very outset.

5- This Study will be helpful to ensure economic development of the

state by removing social contradiction.

3-Scope and Limitation of the Study:

The scope of the study is very comprehensive. It includes the political,

economic and social and problems of modern Assam. It studies the question of

Bodoland, migration in Assam from Bangladesh and increasing problems of

indigenous Assamese people and the threat to the identity of them.

It has several limitations also. The study is geographically limited to

Kokrajhar, Chirang and Dhubri districts of Assam and time limit.

4-Literature Review:

1- Miri Sujata (2011) (http://dspace.nehu.ac.in/handle/1/4584) In

book “Communalism in Assam: A civilizational approach” discussed

the history of Assam and about tribal people their culture, religion and

history. Stated about the communal problem, disintegration rising

violence in the state.

2- Engineer Asgharali (1990) in book “Communal riots in post-

independence india” discussed about communal violence of different

parts of India like Tamilnadu, Gujarat, J&K. and vividly mentioned

about communalism, challenged to plurality and its remedial measure.

3- Chaube Shibani Kinkar (1999) In the book Hill politics in North

East India discussed about the Naga Politics, Mizo politics and

importance of North east its basic autonomy, conflict of power,

transfer of power sixth schedule etc.

4- Hussain Monirul (2000)( http://www.jstor.org/stable/4410084) in his

book “State identity Movement and internal displacement in

North East” commented on internal displacement and shared home

land of many religion, community and ethnic groups.

5- Hypothesis:

1-If the Central and states government would have to implemented the Assam

Accord (Accord for settlement of Bangladeshi Migration in 1985).

2- If some administrative measures should be taken like border -patrolling

border –fencing etc. on the border of India and Bangladesh should have positive

mind to stop the illegal flow of Bangladeshis ignoring their party interests.

3-Vested interest of political parties, to miss-guide the common people to

acquire power, Imbalance the communal harmony etc. Are also factors

contributing for riots.

6- Time Duration: This study includes many aspects of practical necessities

that are why it shall take near about 2 years for field study, Libraries-Archives

Visit etc.

7-Expected outcome of the study:

1- This study will find out the bone of contention and solution of the

alarming problems.

2- This study will find out the variables the cause which leads towards the

communal imbalance.

3- This study facilitated the Governmental Mechanism for decision making,

policy formulation and settlement of such issues permanently.

4- This study will helpful in finding out migration problem, socioeconomic

stability issues and helpful in fostering fraternity.

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