Separatist movements of India facts for kids

Secession in India means when a state or a group of people wants to leave the country and form their own independent nation. Sometimes, they just want to become a separate state, union territory, or a special self-governing area within India. While many groups want to break away, some have little support from the local people. India's constitution says that India is a "Union of States," meaning no state can leave the country. The central government in India has more power than the states and can even change state names or borders if needed to keep the country strong and united.

The Naxal-Maoist movement started in 1967 in West Bengal. It later spread to other parts of India. Today, the Communist Party of India (Maoists) leads it. They are active in areas known as the Red Corridor, which includes parts of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. These groups often get support from tribal people who feel ignored by the government.

The Khalistan movement in Punjab was active in the 1980s and early 1990s. However, it was stopped and eventually faded away.

In Northeast India, many armed groups have wanted to break away. This region is connected to the rest of India by a very narrow strip of land. The Northeast includes seven states: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. There have been disagreements between these groups and the central government. Also, there have been tensions between local people and migrants from other parts of India. In recent years, these movements have become much weaker. The number of incidents has dropped a lot, and fewer people are getting hurt. The Indian government believes this shows that people in the Northeast trust India's democracy.

Jammu and Kashmir has faced challenges since 1989. Some groups there want complete independence, while others want to join Pakistan. The problems started because people felt they didn't have enough local control. By 1988, many democratic changes had been reversed, making it hard for people to express their unhappiness peacefully. This led to more support for groups wanting to leave India. A disputed election in 1987 also fueled the unrest. In 2019, the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was changed. Since then, the Indian military has increased its efforts to stop these groups. There was also a long security lockdown and communication blackout until February 2021. The government said these steps were to stop violence.

India has laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to deal with these movements. This law gives soldiers special powers in certain areas. It was first used in Manipur and then in other northeastern states and Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights groups have criticized this law, saying it can be misused. The UN has also asked India to remove it.

Why Do Groups Want to Break Away?

Many reasons cause groups to want to break away. These often include problems like a lack of development and democratic opportunities from the government. Issues with land, especially forest management, also play a role. Sometimes, a lack of shared identity can lead to groups focusing on differences in caste, ethnicity, language, or religion. Also, some government actions to stop these movements have made things worse, leading to a lack of trust in the government.

Lack of Development and Support

When the government doesn't start enough industries or properly carry out land reforms, people can feel left out and angry. Local leaders sometimes take advantage of tribal people, treating them unfairly. In these situations, the groups wanting to break away often step in. They might offer housing or medical help, acting like a government. For example, the Naxalites sometimes give a monthly salary and uniforms to new members. This money comes from companies operating in areas they control. Because of this, they become popular among young people who can't find jobs.

A former Naxalite once said, "The MCC [Maoist Communist Centre] received funds... and part of it was spent on the 'welfare' of people. We opened schools, built dams. This gave me the feeling, I was indeed working for the people." This is why groups like the Naxalites are popular with Dalit and Adivasi communities. These groups often face social, political, and economic challenges.

In Kashmir, democratic growth was limited until the late 1970s. By 1988, many democratic changes had been reversed. This meant people had few peaceful ways to show their unhappiness. This led to more support for groups wanting to leave India violently. In 1987, elections in Jammu and Kashmir were widely seen as unfair. This caused widespread protests and unrest.

Differences in Religion or Ethnicity

Religious or ethnic differences have also made these movements stronger. After the Soviet army left Afghanistan, many Islamic fighters entered Kashmir. New groups with strong Islamic beliefs appeared. Groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba said their fight in Kashmir would continue until an Islamic state was formed. They believed killing Kashmiri Hindus, thinkers, and pro-India politicians was needed to remove "un-Islamic" people. In Assam, there are tensions between local Assamese people and migrants from Bangladesh. The ULFA has attacked Hindi-speaking workers. On the other hand, MULTA wants to create an Islamic state in India.

The land's geography also plays a big role. Many groups are most active in remote forest areas.

Government Actions and Mistrust

Sometimes, the government's efforts to stop these movements have made things worse. A cycle often happens where the government uses too much force. This leads to even more people joining the groups. For example, a former Chief Minister of Mizoram, Pu Zoramthanga, said he joined the MNF and became a rebel because of the "relentless bombing of Aizawl in 1966." In Kashmir, Human Rights Watch reported in 1993 that Indian security forces "assaulted civilians during search operations, tortured and summarily executed detainees in custody and murdered civilians in reprisal attacks." While groups also targeted civilians, it was less than the security forces. The Indian Army says most reports of human rights abuse are "fake." However, the US State Department said India uses the Armed Forces Special Powers Act to avoid holding its forces responsible for civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir. These issues are said to have increased resistance in Kashmir.

Laws meant to stop terrorism, like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, have been criticized by human rights groups. The South Asian Human Rights Documentation Centre argues that the government's call for more force is part of the problem. They say, "The use of the AFSPA pushes the demand for more autonomy, giving the people of the North East more reason to want to secede from a state which enacts such powers and the agitation which ensues continues to justify the use of the AFSPA from the point of view of the Indian Government."

Naxal-Maoist Movement

The Naxalite–Maoist insurgency is an ongoing conflict between Maoist groups, called Naxalites or Naxals, and the Indian government. It began with an armed uprising in 1967. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called it the "biggest threat to internal security."

History of the Naxal-Maoist Movement

Early Years (1967–1973)

Mao Zedong inspired the Naxalbari movement. Many educated city people were drawn to this idea, spread by Charu Majumdar's writings. These writings were essays based on the ideas of many communist leaders.

On May 18, 1967, a group in Siliguri supported the movement started by Kanu Sanyal. They were ready to fight to give land to those who didn't have any. The ruling party in West Bengal did not approve of this armed uprising. On May 25, 1967, in Naxalbari, a tribal farmer who had been given land by the courts was attacked by a landlord's men. In response, tribal people began taking back their lands by force. When police arrived, they were ambushed by a group of tribals led by Jangal Santhal, and a police officer was killed. This event encouraged many Santhal tribals and poor people to join the movement. They started attacking local landlords. Violent uprisings were organized across the country.

On April 22, 1969, the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) (CPI (ML)) was formed. It was made by radical members of the CPI-M like Majumdar. However, due to disagreements, the party soon split. The government fought back with operations like Operation Steeplechase. By 1973, most Naxalite leaders were gone or in jail. The movement broke into many small groups. Instead of a large armed struggle in the countryside, individual acts of violence became common in Calcutta.

Spread to South India (1977–1994)

In the early 1970s, Naxalism spread to almost every state in India, except Western India. This time, the movement was mainly in South India, especially in Andhra Pradesh.

On April 22, 1980, the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War was founded. By 1978, Naxalite farmer revolts had spread to the Karimnagar and Adilabad Districts. These new groups kidnapped landlords, forcing them to admit to crimes and repay bribes. By the early 1980s, these groups had strongholds in forests along the Andhra Pradesh and Orissa border.

The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa managed to stop the rebels. They used various methods to fight back. They formed a special task force called the Greyhounds. States also made special laws to arrest Naxalite fighters and supporters. They brought in more central police forces. States also set up programs to help people who surrendered. By 1994, nearly 9000 Naxalites had given up. By the early 2000s, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had very few Naxalites.

Recent Years (2004–Present)

The Communist Party of India (Maoist) was formed on September 21, 2004. This happened when several Maoist groups merged.

The CPI (Maoist) is active in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, and some remote parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

They have carried out several attacks. For example, on February 15, 2010, they killed 24 police personnel. On April 6, 2010, they ambushed and killed 76 police. On May 25, 2013, they attacked a convoy of the Indian National Congress, killing 27 people. On April 3, 2021, twenty-two soldiers were killed in an ambush in Chhattisgarh.

In September 2009, the Government of India launched a big operation against the Naxals. This was called "Operation Green Hunt." Since then, many Maoist fighters have been killed, arrested, or have surrendered.

Naxal Ideology and Funding

The Naxals are far-left communists. They form many groups with different ideas. The current CPI(Maoist) believes in Maoism. They think the Indian government is controlled by "imperialists" and "feudal lords." They want to overthrow it using extreme violence to achieve their goals. The Naxals get support mainly from the tribal (Adivasi) community. This is because forests have been poorly managed for a long time. The government's lack of development in rural areas is often filled by the Naxals. They also get money from the mining industry. They tax about 3% of the profits from mining companies in areas they control. These companies also pay the Naxals for "protection" services. This allows miners to work without worrying about attacks.

Jammu and Kashmir

Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh (1895–1961)

The Instrument of Accession of Kashmir to India was accepted by Governor General Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

Maharaja Hari Singh became the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir in 1925. He was the ruler when British rule ended in 1947. When India became independent, the British said that princely states could choose to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. However, staying independent was very difficult because these states relied on the British for many things, including their safety.

Jammu and Kashmir had a majority Muslim population. Many in Pakistan expected Kashmir to join them. However, the main political group in Kashmir was secular and allied with the Indian National Congress. So, many in India also expected Kashmir to join India. The Maharaja was unsure what to do.

On October 22, 1947, rebels from western districts and tribesmen from Pakistan invaded the state. They were supported by Pakistan. The Maharaja fought back but asked India for help. India agreed, but only if the ruler joined India. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, in exchange for military help. India accepted this, but added that the people of Kashmir would decide their future once the invaders were gone.

Once the agreement was signed, Indian soldiers entered Kashmir to remove the invaders. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 lasted until the end of 1948. India took the issue to the United Nations. The UN asked Pakistan to withdraw its forces and India to reduce its forces. After that, a public vote would be held. A ceasefire was agreed on January 1, 1949.

A special UN group was set up to arrange the withdrawal. It tried to find a solution for both India and Pakistan. In the end, no withdrawal happened. India insisted Pakistan had to withdraw first. Pakistan argued there was no guarantee India would withdraw afterward. No agreement was reached on how to remove the armies.

Cease-fire line between India and Pakistan after the 1947 conflict

India and Pakistan fought two more wars in 1965 and 1971. After the 1971 war, they signed the Simla Agreement. They agreed on a Line of Control between their areas. They also promised to solve the dispute peacefully through talks.

In 1986, riots broke out in Anantnag after a political leader's speech. The 1987 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly election were widely seen as unfair. This led many unhappy young Kashmiris to join the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). This group offered an alternative to the weak democratic system. A candidate who felt cheated in the election became a leader of the militant group Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. His friends joined the JKLF, which made the movement stronger. In 1989, the conflict grew as fighters from Afghanistan entered the region. Pakistan provided weapons and training to these groups. This added to the unhappiness in the valley. There were killings of Kashmiri Hindus, thinkers, and pro-India politicians. In the early 1990s, many Kashmiri Hindu Pandits fled the valley. This was due to fear and panic from targeted killings and calls for independence.

On August 5, 2019, the Government of India changed the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This status was given under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. After this, communication lines were cut for five months. Thousands more security forces were sent to stop any uprising. Several leading Kashmiri politicians were arrested. Later, the state was divided into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Punjab

Khalistan Movement

The Khalistan movement wants to create a separate homeland for Sikhs. This new country would be called Khālistān ('Land of the Khalsa'). It would be in the Punjab region. The proposed Khalistan would include parts of present-day Punjab, India, and sometimes parts of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and even Punjab, Pakistan.

Sikhs had a separate state in the 19th century, the Sikh Empire. It was later taken over by the British. After the British left India, calls for a separate Sikh state began. In 1940, the first clear call for Khalistan was made. With money and support from Sikhs living abroad, the movement grew in the Indian state of Punjab, which has a Sikh majority. It was strongest in the late 1980s.

In June 1984, the Indian Government ordered a military operation called Operation Blue Star. Its goal was to remove militant Sikhs from the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. Sikhs worldwide criticized this action, seeing it as an attack on their religion. Five months later, on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was killed by her two Sikh bodyguards. This led to the killing of over 3,000 Sikhs in Delhi in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. In the 1990s, the movement faded away. It failed due to strong police action, internal conflicts, and a loss of support from the Sikh population.

Assam

Assam has been a hiding place for militant groups for many years. This is because it has open borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan, and is close to Burma. The main reasons for conflict include protests against foreigners in the 1980s and ongoing tensions between local people and migrants. The situation in Assam is still quite active. The government of Bangladesh has arrested and sent back senior leaders of the ULFA.

United Liberation Front of Asom (1979–Present)

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was formed in April 1979. Its goal was to create a separate state of Assam for the local people through armed struggle. The Government of India banned ULFA in 1990 and calls it a terrorist group. Military operations against ULFA by the Indian Army started in 1990 and continue today. Over the past two decades, about 10,000 people have died in clashes between the rebels and the government. Assamese groups have protested against illegal migration from neighboring regions. In the mid-20th century, people from present-day Bangladesh moved to Assam. In 1961, the government of Assam tried to make Assamese compulsory, but had to withdraw it due to pressure from Bengali-speaking people. In the 1980s, the Brahmaputra valley saw six years of protests due to a sudden rise in registered voters. Recently, the organization has lost many of its leaders who were arrested.

Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (1996–Present)

The Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam (MULTA), started in 1996, wants a separate country for Muslims in the region.

Karbi Separatism (1999–2021)

United People's Democratic Solidarity (1999–2014)

The United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) wanted a separate nation for the Karbi people. It was formed in March 1999 by combining two militant groups in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. The UPDS signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian Government in 2002. However, this led to a split in the UPDS. One part continued fighting, while the other started talks with the government. By December 2014, the UPDS officially ended after all its members surrendered. Karbi groups signed a peace deal with the Indian government on September 5, 2021.

Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (2002–2021)

The Karbi Longri North Cachar Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) came from the United People's Democratic Solidarity. They were against the peace talks. After the split, there were fights between the two groups. The KLNLF was closely linked to the United Liberation Front of Asom. On February 23, 2021, KLNLF was disbanded, and all its members surrendered.

Kamtapur Liberation Organization (1995–Present)

The Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) was formed on December 28, 1995. Its goal is to create a separate Kamtapur Nation. This proposed state would include six districts in West Bengal and four districts in Assam. The KLO was formed to address problems faced by the Koch Rajbongshi people. These problems included high unemployment, loss of land, perceived neglect of their language, and economic hardship.

Bodoland

Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (1996–2003)

The Bodo Liberation Tigers Force fought for self-rule for Bodoland. It surrendered when the Bodoland Territorial Council was formed.

National Democratic Front of Bodoland (1986–2020)

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) was formed in 1986. It aimed to create an independent nation of Bodoland. In January 2020, two Bodo groups, the NDFB and the All Bodo Student's Union, signed a peace agreement with the Indian government. They ended their organizations in exchange for political and economic demands, and legal protection for the Bodo language and culture.

Dimaraji (1990s–2009)

The United Liberation Front of Asom and National Socialist Council of Nagaland helped create the Dimasa National Security Force (DNSF) in the early 1990s. Most DNSF members surrendered in 1995. However, one leader refused to surrender and started the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD). This group operated in Assam and Nagaland and wanted to create a Dimaland or Dimaraji for the Dimasa people. After a peace agreement in 2003, the group split again. In 2009, many members of the group surrendered to the police.

Nagaland

In the 1950s, the Naga National Council led a violent movement. They wanted a separate country for the Naga people, called Nagalim. The violence decreased a lot after the Naga-majority Nagaland state was formed. More fighters surrendered after the Shillong Accord of 1975. However, some Nagas, working under different groups of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, still demand a separate country.

In the 2014 Indian General Elections, Nagaland had a very high voter turnout, over 87%. This was the highest in India.

Mizoram

Tensions in Mizoram were mainly due to the feeling of Assamese dominance and the neglect of the Mizo people. Many Mizo groups had complained about unfair treatment from the Assam Government. They wanted a separate state for the Mizos. Today, the conflict is due to demands for self-rule by the Bru (also known as Reang) people.

Mizo National Front (1966–1986)

Background of the Mizo Movement

Mizo groups had long complained about unfair treatment from the Assam Government. This included poor handling of a famine and when the state government made Assamese the official language without considering the Mizo language.

The Mizo National Famine Front, originally formed to help people during the famine, became the Mizo National Front (MNF) on October 22, 1961. Unlike another group that wanted a separate state within India, the MNF aimed to create an independent Christian nation for the Mizos.

Conflict and Response

The MNF formed an armed group called the Mizo National Army (MNA). It had about 2000 men, supported by another group of volunteers. In the early 1960s, MNF leaders visited East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The Pakistan government offered them weapons and training. MNF members collected money by force from Mizo people and trained volunteers with weapons from Pakistan.

On March 1, 1966, the Mizo National Front (MNF) declared independence. They launched attacks on government offices and security forces in the Mizo district in Assam. The government fought back with airstrikes and ground operations. They recaptured all areas taken by the MNF by March 25, 1966.

Aizawl Airstrikes

On the afternoon of March 4, 1966, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets attacked MNF targets in Aizawl using machine guns. This reportedly caused some civilian injuries. The next day, a larger airstrike happened for about five hours. Some Mizos say the planes used fire bombs, which destroyed several houses. Other accounts say the fires were started by prisoners released by the rebels. Besides Aizawl, nearby villages were also bombed. Most civilians fled Aizawl and hid in nearby hills.

This is the only time in independent India's history that the government used airstrikes within its own territory.

End of the Movement

After 1966, the MNF continued with smaller attacks. Talks between the Mizo Union and the Indian Government led to the Mizo district becoming a Union Territory called "Mizoram" on January 21, 1972. The MNF's movement ended in 1986 when it signed the Mizo accord with the Government of India. The government agreed to create a separate state for the Mizos. In return, the MNF agreed to stop demanding independence and using violence. The MNF is now a political party.

Bru National Liberation Front

Currently, the situation is partly active. This is because the Chakmas want Chakmabhumi, and the Reangs want Bruland, either as separate states or self-governing areas. The Chakma and Reang tribes say they face religious and ethnic unfairness. They claim the main Mizo group, who are mostly Christian, wants to convert them. After ethnic clashes with the Mizos in 1997, thousands of Reangs became refugees in Tripura and Assam.

In 1997, the Bru National Union (BNU) demanded a special self-governing council in western Mizoram. The Mizoram government and a Mizo youth group rejected this. Clashes between the two groups led to the creation of the Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) in 1996. In October 1997, BNLF members kidnapped and killed a Mizo forest guard. In response, ethnic riots occurred. Between 35,000 and 40,000 Bru villagers were forced to flee Mizoram and seek safety in camps in Tripura.

The BNLF often gets money by demanding payments, mostly from non-Brus and Mizo Christians. They also attack security forces. The group also fought with other groups in the Northeast. In 2001, the BNLF and the Mizoram government started talks. By 2005, they agreed that the BNLF would give up its weapons and people would return home. However, in 2009, the deal failed after Bru armed groups killed a Mizo youth.

Currently, there are talks about helping the Bru people return home. This includes financial aid, monthly cash, free food, and help with housing. However, attempts to return have largely failed. This is due to demands for self-governing councils and fear of attacks. Many tribal people protested against returning, preferring to stay in Tripura. They asked the government to restore their food and cash benefits.

Hmar People's Convention-Democracy (1995–Present)

The Hmar People's Convention-Democracy (HPC-D) is an armed group formed in 1995. It wants to create an independent Hmar State. It came from the Hmar People's Convention (HPC), which made an agreement with the Mizoram Government in 1994. This led to the formation of a development council in North Mizoram. The HPC(D) wants a separate administrative unit as a union territory. Its members come from states where Hmar people live, including Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

Manipur

The Kingdom of Manipur in Northeast India, near Burma, became a British protectorate. After a rebellion and war in 1891, it became a princely state ruled by the British. When the British left India in 1947, Manipur joined the Indian Union on August 11, 1947. In October 1949, before India's constitution was passed, Manipur was asked to merge into the Indian Union. It was given the status of a union territory.

This merger was controversial and led to unhappiness among some people. This eventually led to the formation of several groups wanting independence. They wanted to create an independent state from the former princely state. After long protests, Manipur was granted statehood in January 1972. Despite becoming a state, the conflict continued. On September 8, 1980, Manipur was declared a disturbed area. The Indian government imposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act on the region.

The rise of Naga nationalism in neighboring Nagaland also led to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) becoming active in Manipur. Fights between different NSCN groups made tensions worse. Kuki tribals then started their own groups to protect themselves from NSCN attacks. Clashes between these ethnic groups happened in the 1990s. Other ethnic groups also formed militant groups.

Unlike other conflicts in the Northeast, not many "surrenders" have been reported from Manipur. This shows that the groups have strong control over their members. These groups have good intelligence networks and strong weapons. They have been able to create "liberated" zones across the state. However, by the end of 2007, security forces had removed them from most of these areas.

United National Liberation Front (1990–Present)

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was founded on November 24, 1964. Its goal was to establish a sovereign and socialist Manipur. It is one of the oldest groups in the Northeast. Until 1990, it was a social organization. But in the early 90s, it took up arms and formed the Manipur People's Army (MPA). In 1990, a group split from the UNLF. This led to clashes that caused over 100 deaths. Later, this splinter group merged with others to form the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). The UNLF has also worked on social reforms, like fighting against gambling. It has even helped solve small disputes.

The UNLF has also clashed with the NSCN (IM). This is because NCSN wants to include four districts of Manipur in creating a "Greater Nagaland." The UNLF strongly opposes this.

People's United Liberation Front

The People's United Liberation Front (PULF) is an Islamist organization formed in 1993. After ethnic clashes in 1993, many militant groups were formed. On May 30, 2007, one of these groups merged with the PULF.

The PULF has received weapons and training from the NSCN (IM) in the Ukhrul district and also in Myanmar.

Kuki National Organization

The Kuki National Organization and its armed group, the Kuki National Army, want statehood for Kuki-dominated areas in Manipur within India. Or they want a territorial council within Manipur. It has also made claims in Myanmar. It is currently in a ceasefire with the Indian government.

Coordination Committee

In Manipur, the following militant groups have formed a group called CorCom (Coordination Committee):

• Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)
• Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)
• People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK)
• People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Pro (PREPAK-Pro)
• Revolutionary People's Front (RPF)
• United National Liberation Front (UNLF)
• United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK)

CorCom is on the Indian government's list of extremist organizations. It is responsible for many bombings, usually during Indian holidays and elections.

Arunachal Pradesh

Conflict in Arunachal Pradesh has existed because it is close to the Chinese and Burmese borders. It also has many different ethnic, tribal, and religious groups. Although there are no active local groups in the state now, people have ethnic worries. They fear losing political power and economic benefits.

National Liberation Council of Taniland

The National Liberation Council of Taniland (NLCT) was active along the Assam – Arunachal Pradesh border. Its members belong to the Tani groups of people and demand Taniland. The group has no support from the local people of Arunachal Pradesh and is now almost gone. The group also received support from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah. The Tani groups are one of the ethnic groups of northeast India. They are also known as Mising in Assam and Adi, Nyishi, Galo, Apatani, Tagin, in Arunachal Pradesh. They are also known as Lhoba in China.

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See also

• Territorial disputes of India