Central government’s  revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution which will nullify some special provisions  hitherto enjoyed by Jammu & Kashmir and lead to its bifurcation is the biggest news now with mixed reactions flowing in from various quarters. Some have hailed it as a bold step long awaited, while some have predicted that it will prove to be a great blunder in the long run. These discussions will no doubt continue for a prolonged spell and all eyes will also be on that state for keeping track of the developments. But along with this, air is also thickening with speculations almost all over the Northeast as who’s next in the line since many of the states of this region currently enjoy certain provisions that are also classified as ‘special’. And dissecting the overall Northeast reaction that have been received so far, it’s been  heterogeneous in  character with  state-wise variations, quite similar in pattern to the all-India reaction on J&K.
Just as Article 370 is for J&K that guaranteed the special provisions, for Northeast states  Article 371A is meant for Nagaland, 371B for Assam, 371C for Manipur, 371F for Sikkim,  371G for Mizoram and 371H for Arunachal Pradesh. Reading between the lines of these provisions, in case of  Nagaland and Mizoram there is a safeguard relating to sale and transfer of land and distinctive social and religious practices as no Act of Parliament shall apply in this regard. For the other states like Assam, Manipur and Sikkim, the special provisions are mostly related in ensuring a desirable ratio for people’s representation in the Assemblies that would reflect the true colours of their respective demographic patterns. For Arunachal Pradesh, the relevant  371H deals only with law and order which empowers the Governor of the state to overrule the chief minister’s decision on such matters and not like the case of  Mizoram and Nagaland. And it is particularly in case of these two states, experts believe that attempts to nullify these provisions like J&K will not be without major uproars as there will be immediate and direct impact not only on the cultural fronts but also on the economic aspects as well. It will be too premature to fancy what will transpire ultimately in J&K. Whether this measure will prove to be an effective tool for ending terrorism comprehensively in the state, the declared motto of the government, or it is going to add fuel to it are all in the realm of assumptions.
But in Northeast, as per political analysts, extreme caution needs to be exercised as tribal sentiments and aspirations is a delicate issue which demands an extra care while handling.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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