Citizens, the Smoking Guns of AFSPA and Bare Life in Northeast India

Abstract

At the heart of ‘Indian nation-state making’ in the post-colonial context is dominant imagery and imaginary of Indian-ness, and there is an uncertain relationship between legitimate and illegitimate violence, and debate on integration and coercion of diverse nationalities in this state-nation. The ethnic nationalities of India’s Northeast have not been well integrated into the Indian imaginary and share a sense of belonging. Insurgency shapes the politics of this borderland and fuels secessionist aspirations and led to a demarcation of disturbed areas and exceptional citizens. Following Foucault and Agamben, I highlight the immense ‘unchecked’ sovereignty and biopolitical control of the Indian government to demarcate zones of democratic exception in Northeast India and enforce laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to perpetuate its domination, militarise and radically decide on matters of life. The law is draconian in its implications and I review some of the extant literature that reveals the ‘bare life’ enjoyed by some Indian citizens. Integrating ethnographic voices from Manipur, this paper deepens our critical perspective on the AFSPA to understand its fundamental impact on everyday life and routine violence in Manipur and the consequent emigration of its citizens.

State Violence and Collective Victimhood in a Militarised State

“…Thus, the law in the form of legislation like AFSPA in the postcolonial era has played a crucial role in reinforcing the political assumptions. In a similar vein, Arora (2020, p. 1) highlights, ‘the immense unchecked sovereignty and biopolitical control of the Indian government to demarcate zones of democratic exception in Northeast India and enforce laws such as Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to perpetuate its domination, militarise and radically decide on matters of life’.…”

Meira Paibis Movement Roles in Creating Peace at Northeastern India

“…Meira Paibis also succeeded in confronting the army, rescuing and liberating the youth group, unilaterally labeled as a rebel group. In 2014, Meira succeeded in encouraging the Indian government to provide compensation in funding to families of victims of bullying and abuse (Arora 2020).…”