Taking example of India’s North East, examine the impact of geographical factors on the sustainability of insurgency movements in conflict-prone regions.

The sustainability of insurgency movements in conflict-prone regions is influenced by geographical factors. In the case of India’s North East, the unique features of the landscape contribute to the resilience and operational capacity of insurgent groups.

1. Porous Borders: The North East shares international borders with several countries, including Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. This geographical characteristic facilitates the smuggling of arms, drugs, and other resources, which insurgents exploit to sustain their activities. The porous nature of these borders allows insurgents to evade capture and regroup in neighbouring territories.
2. Remote Terrain: The hilly and forested terrain of the North East provides natural cover for insurgent groups, enabling them to conduct guerrilla warfare effectively. The challenging landscape impedes the Indian Army’s counter-insurgency operations, making it difficult to locate and neutralise insurgent hideouts.
3. Socio-Economic Factors: The region’s socio-economic conditions, including poverty and unemployment, create a fertile ground for recruitment into insurgent groups. Young people, often disillusioned by the lack of opportunities, may be drawn to the promises of insurgent movements.
4. Drug Trade: The proximity to the Golden Triangle, a notorious drug-producing region, exacerbates the situation. Insurgent groups leverage the drug trade to finance their operations and recruit vulnerable youth, further entrenching their influence in local communities.

Thus, geographical factors profoundly affect the sustainability of insurgency movements. The combination of porous borders, challenging terrain, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and the drug trade creates an environment where insurgency can thrive. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including enhanced border security, economic development, and community engagement to counter the allure of insurgency in such regions.