Ethnic Identity Movement Of The Misings Of Assam

Abstract

Ethnic identity is in recent times one of the most important discussed issues amongst scholars, policy makers, and academicians. ‘Ethnicity’ is now a widely prevalent word. It is found operating at international, national, regional and local levels. The North Eastern region of India is no exception. Being the home of several, culturally, linguistically and racially distinguished groups having their own socio-political aspirations, it is perhaps more intense and more complex than any other parts of the country or the world. The rise of an elite group among many of them has further added to complexity of the situation.

In the post-independence period with a goal to maintain distinct identity most of ethnic groups of this region started ethnic movement demanding either autonomous or separate state and their demands were conceded creating new states as well as granting autonomy. The Misings, a major section of tribal population of North-East India lives in Assam with their distinctive identity also have been continuing their movement for ethnic identity for several decades.