What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade.

Use the AFSPA extension to show the North-East's continuing security challenges, especially Manipur's ethnic conflict, alongside a shrinking footprint that marks gains in peace.

• MHA extended AFSPA in parts of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, citing continuing challenges, particularly Manipur's prolonged ethnic conflict.
• After ethnic violence broke out on 3 May 2023, AFSPA was reimposed in six Manipur police stations across five districts on 14 November 2024, after withdrawals from valley stations in 2022 and 2023.
• Progress: AFSPA no longer applies in Tripura, Meghalaya or Mizoram, and was lifted from Imphal municipal area in 2004.

Use the Manipur NRC demand to show how identity and citizenship disputes feed ethnic conflict and complicate peace in the North-East.

• Relations between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have been badly strained since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023; the Centre has recently deferred Census operations in Manipur.
• Meitei and Naga organisations back an NRC and want it completed before the Census and delimitation, while Kuki groups including the Kuki-Zo Council oppose it and its 1951 base year as premature and unjustified.
• Critics warn that in a divided State the exercise could deepen mistrust; dialogue with all communities before any notification is a necessary safeguard.