The Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran replied in the negative when asked whether the government received information regarding assistance provided by China to separatist groups involved in large-scale violence that took place in the north-eastern states in recent years.

In the sixties, the years when insurgency took its birth, most rebel groups were known to have trekked to Communist China for help, guidance and weapons. Both Mizo and Naga rebel groups had established contacts with China through the ultras in the restive Kachin State of Myanmar. Many of these groups soon came under the influence of erstwhile East Pakistan and had set up their bases in the Chittagong forests bordering India. The emergence of Bangladesh did not disturb their bases much until recently. The changes in the political landscape of North-east India have stuck a blow to the insurgents. And made them come to the negotiating table. The Mizo rebel group, MNF was the first to see to writing on the wall, signed a peace accord with Delhi and became a part of the mainstream.

The Naga rebel groups, NSCN-IM and NSCN-K, have opened talks with the government nearly a decade ago. The talks appear to have reached a crucial stage now and a breakthrough is expected soon. The story of Mizos and of Naga groups now stands as a testimony to the ability of India to address regional aspirations of minority groups and make them join the national mainstream as equal partners. This is also the reason why civil life in Nagaland remains undisturbed and the state has been electing a popular government every five years like rest of India. The situation in Tripura, another north-eastern state that suffered from insurgency for several years is also a case in point. Manipur is an exception to the trend mostly because of the fragmented nature of insurgent groups there. Some of these groups are in league with the Burmese rebel outfits across the border.

China’s geo-political and strategic interests have changed in recent years though it refuses to accept India’s position the border dispute. So, it is possible as the Minister told Parliament, China did not provide direct assistance to separatist groups involved in recent flare-ups in the north-east particularly Assam. This doesn’t square up with the reality that these groups have acquired Chinese weapons though it is a fact that Sino-Myanmar border is awash with Chinese arms. From all accounts weapons manufacture in China is not in the private sector. It indeed remains a government monopoly. Since Beijing is keen to promote ties with Delhi and Yangon, it is possible that it has not allowed the diplomatic interests to stand in the way of its commercial interests. Well, Bamboo capitalism has its own rationale, no one can deny.