Unification of Kuki-Zo Tribes: A Complex Security Issue for India

In a recent speech in the United States, Mizoram’s Chief Minister Lalduhoma made an implicit call for the unification of the Kuki-Zo tribes across India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. His statement, which he presented as a matter of “ethnic kinship and cultural integrity,” introduces a mix of domestic and regional security considerations for India, especially given the fragility of neighbouring regions.

The Chief Minister’s Call for Unity

In his address, Lalduhoma emphasized the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections uniting the Kuki-Zo people, transcending national boundaries. He expressed a sense of “natural bond” shared by these ethnic tribes, saying, “The Kuki-Zo community, divided across three nations, has a right to reunify based on our shared heritage and kinship.” The speech framed this appeal not as a threat to the sovereignty of any nation but as a call for inclusivity. “The movement for Kuki-Zo unity is about identity, recognition, and justice for the tribes scattered across borders,” he asserted, urging acknowledgment of their cultural heritage.

Security Implications for India

While Lalduhoma’s words highlight a cultural aspiration, they have significant security implications for India. India has historically faced challenges surrounding cross-border ethnic ties, which have fuelled separatist movements, insurgencies, and illegal cross-border activities in the northeastern states.

Internal Security and Insurgency Risks: The ethnic affiliations of the Kuki-Zo people across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh could complicate India’s internal security, particularly in the sensitive northeastern states. India has made considerable efforts to stabilize this region, but the unification rhetoric could potentially revive dormant insurgent sentiments. These ties may embolden militant groups, as they did in earlier decades when insurgencies flared up in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram, often finding support or safe havens across borders. This resurgence could challenge the region’s stability, necessitating heightened vigilance from Indian security forces.

Chicken’s Neck Vulnerability: Perhaps one of India’s most pressing security concerns in the northeast is the narrow Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the "Chicken’s Neck." This slender, 22-kilometer-wide strip of land is the only terrestrial link between mainland India and its northeastern states, making it highly susceptible to blockades and disruptions. Any movement that encourages cross-border unity or separatist tendencies among ethnic groups near this corridor could magnify India’s vulnerability. Disruptions or destabilization here could severely impact connectivity, posing a strategic risk to India’s territorial integrity. The Chicken’s Neck’s proximity to both Bangladesh and China heightens the risk, especially if unrest in the northeast attracts external influences, adding another layer of security concerns.

Regional Stability and Border Management: Lalduhoma’s remarks also introduce challenges for India’s delicate relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar. India’s porous borders with these countries facilitate cross-border movement, which can strain border management and security. Myanmar’s internal conflict, worsened post-2021 coup, presents risks if ethnic unification movements draw India into its volatile landscape. Any movement toward unification could inadvertently create tensions with Bangladeshi authorities, who are already managing ethnic issues, such as the Rohingya refugee crisis. Bangladesh’s perspective on regional ethnic unity involving its territory could add a new complexity to its ties with India, especially amid its domestic challenges.

Linking with Bangladesh’s Current Scenario

Bangladesh, already managing internal ethnic dynamics, might perceive Lalduhoma’s statement as a potential threat to its territorial integrity. With Bangladesh on the verge of critical elections, its government is cautious about any foreign calls that could affect its ethnic or territorial harmony. As a result, Lalduhoma’s statement could strain India-Bangladesh relations, which have been pivotal for regional security and cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism and border security.

Balancing Ethnic Aspirations with Strategic Security

Lalduhoma’s call for Kuki-Zo unification raises a complex security issue for India, merging cultural identity with serious geopolitical concerns. While the Indian government respects ethnic identities, it must also prioritize security, particularly around sensitive areas like the Chicken’s Neck. India’s response will require diplomatic discussions with Bangladesh and Myanmar to ensure that such aspirations remain within a framework that respects national borders, sovereignty, and regional stability.

Navigating these issues carefully will be essential to maintaining peace in India’s northeastern region and safeguarding the strategic Siliguri Corridor, ensuring continued connectivity and security for India’s northeastern states.