Human Rights and Internal Armed Conflicts: Analysing the Current Situation in North-East India from an International Humanitarian Law Perspective

This article analyses the human rights situation in Northeast India through the lens of International Humanitarian Law in relation to ongoing internal armed conflicts. These internal armed conflicts, such as insurgencies, present complex challenges that extend beyond mere law-and-order issues, significantly impacting political, social, economic, and security dimensions. Although the security situation in the Northeast has improved, the region continues to experience internal and ethnic violence, armed conflicts, and insurgencies, all of which are categorised as Non-International Armed Conflicts (NIACs) under International Humanitarian Law. India, however, maintains that these issues fall under law-and-order concerns, as it is not a signatory to the 1977 Additional Protocols of the Geneva Conventions. The existence of NIACs in India results in significant human rights violations, disrupting lives, with women and children living in fear and men at risk of abduction. Despite the government’s multi-dimensional approach, which includes military deployment and negotiations, there are still pressing questions regarding the protection of rights to life and security. The lack of comprehensive international humanitarian guidelines raises concerns about civilian protection. This research paper employs descriptive and analytical methods to examine contemporary conflicts in India, their impact on human rights, and potential measures to enhance protection. It aims to promote long-term peace grounded in human rights and dignity. Specifically, it focuses on ongoing internal armed conflicts in India, including the Maoist insurgency, violence in parts of India and ethnic and insurgent conflicts in Northeast India, while assessing their implications for human rights protection.