In August 2012, as thousands of people the North East began to head home from Bangalore after hearing rumours that would would be singled out for attack, a number of solidarity groups were formed in the city to protect the rights of the disparate communities with roots in the region.
But now, almost two years later, these pan-regional support groups find themselves struggling. Funding difficulties and regional-tribal loyalties have played a part in diminishing the impact of NEWAK (North East Welfare Association of Karnataka) and North East Solidarity, the two principal groups that hoped that the crisis would persuade all of Bangalore's North-Eastern communities to coalesce into a common identity.
But only organisations that work with members of single groups, such as the Manipur Metei and the Mizo Students’ Association, continue to hold events and provide crisis intervention for their members, community leaders say.
Even though there has not been any major crisis since 2012, smaller, persistent acts of discrimination make the need for solidarity organisations as vital as ever, community leaders say.
However, the diverse nature of the communities and inter-state politics makes consolidating this North-Eastern identity far from easy. For instance, tribal divisions in states like Manipur can often lead to tricky situations. Swar Thounaojam, the general secretary of North East Solidarity, who is from Manipur's dominant Metei tribe, says that when she is dealing with people from minority tribes like the Kuki or the Naga, she has to be very sensitive.
"We also have to look at the historical perspective of each state when dealing with members,” said Thounaojam.
Some of the trouble started when the moment of crisis passed and the groups began to think about long-term plans. This included having to choose leaders. “There are difficulties in a united forum," said Pranjal Medhi, the treasurer of NEWAK and the vice president of the Assam Society of Bangalore. "That is why we decided to keep away from tribal representation and stick to state-wise representation.”
NEWAK has representatives from all eight North Eastern states in its administration. It's members are free to hold positions in their respective state organisations as well. “We don’t want to be seen as a trouble-creating group," said Medhi. "We try and keep away from protests and work in times of need.”
North East Solidarity, which was formed only in March, grew out of the Peace and Solidarity Forum which ran a 24-hour helpline to help North Easterners facing threats in 2012. The helpline was disbanded shortly after due to lack of funds.
The setbacks have failed to discourage the leaders of these diverse communities from attempting to forge a united identity. “A small state society with small representation isn’t enough to counter discrimination," said Lane Singson, the general secretary of NEWAK and president of the Kuki Students Association of Bangalore. "It brings down the numbers. If we come together, with a consolidated identity, we have larger numbers and hence greater presence."
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But now, almost two years later, these pan-regional support groups find themselves struggling. Funding difficulties and regional-tribal loyalties have played a part in diminishing the impact of NEWAK (North East Welfare Association of Karnataka) and North East Solidarity, the two principal groups that hoped that the crisis would persuade all of Bangalore's North-Eastern communities to coalesce into a common identity.
But only organisations that work with members of single groups, such as the Manipur Metei and the Mizo Students’ Association, continue to hold events and provide crisis intervention for their members, community leaders say.
Even though there has not been any major crisis since 2012, smaller, persistent acts of discrimination make the need for solidarity organisations as vital as ever, community leaders say.
However, the diverse nature of the communities and inter-state politics makes consolidating this North-Eastern identity far from easy. For instance, tribal divisions in states like Manipur can often lead to tricky situations. Swar Thounaojam, the general secretary of North East Solidarity, who is from Manipur's dominant Metei tribe, says that when she is dealing with people from minority tribes like the Kuki or the Naga, she has to be very sensitive.
"We also have to look at the historical perspective of each state when dealing with members,” said Thounaojam.
Some of the trouble started when the moment of crisis passed and the groups began to think about long-term plans. This included having to choose leaders. “There are difficulties in a united forum," said Pranjal Medhi, the treasurer of NEWAK and the vice president of the Assam Society of Bangalore. "That is why we decided to keep away from tribal representation and stick to state-wise representation.”
NEWAK has representatives from all eight North Eastern states in its administration. It's members are free to hold positions in their respective state organisations as well. “We don’t want to be seen as a trouble-creating group," said Medhi. "We try and keep away from protests and work in times of need.”
North East Solidarity, which was formed only in March, grew out of the Peace and Solidarity Forum which ran a 24-hour helpline to help North Easterners facing threats in 2012. The helpline was disbanded shortly after due to lack of funds.
The setbacks have failed to discourage the leaders of these diverse communities from attempting to forge a united identity. “A small state society with small representation isn’t enough to counter discrimination," said Lane Singson, the general secretary of NEWAK and president of the Kuki Students Association of Bangalore. "It brings down the numbers. If we come together, with a consolidated identity, we have larger numbers and hence greater presence."
