Exploring Identity and Politics: Northeast India's Muslim “Othering”
By Åshild Kolås
The threads of culture, religion, and history are interwoven in the Northeast Indian tapestry of identity politics. Understanding the “othering” of Muslims in this region is not just an academic exercise, it is about recognizing the real-world implications of how we define “us” versus “them” and the impact this has on people's lives.
The concept of “othering” refers to the process of distinguishing a person or group as fundamentally different from, and often inferior to, another. This phenomenon is not new to the conflict-ridden region of Northeast India, which is also known for its rich ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity. But why does the “othering” of Muslims continue to be a salient political issue in a secular country like India? And why is the Hindu-Muslim divide more pronounced in some areas than others?
Both Assam and Tripura share borders with Bangladesh and have experienced significant Bengali immigration since the 1947 Partition. However, their demographic compositions differ starkly. In Tripura, Bengali Hindus constitute the majority. In Assam, the Assamese are the majority, though a significant share of the population is Bengali Muslim.
The political landscape in these two Northeast Indian states is also distinct. Assam’s politics is heavily influenced by the divisive issue of illegal immigration. In Assam, the influx of Bengali Muslims is often viewed through the lens of “infiltration,” creating a political divide that is hard to bridge. The neighboring state of Tripura tells a very different story. In Tripura, once a princely state, the majority Bengali population is Hindu, and the political discourse centers around tribal rights and cultural recognition. This means that Tripura’s politicians and voters are more interested in issues like land reservation, recognition of the tribal language Kok-borak, and the formation of Autonomous District Councils.
To uncover the historical and contemporary narratives that contribute to the “othering” of Muslims in Assam and Tripura, we need to revisit colonial and post-independence history with an eye to how colonial epistemic and institutional frameworks have influenced the representation and categorization of identities. In this regard, the Muslim electorate established by the British is particularly relevant. The Partition of India in 1947, which created separate nation-states based on religious identity, has also left an indelible mark on the region. The demarcation of borders and subsequent political developments, such as the emergence of Hindutva ideology in India, have continued to shape “othering” discourse.
The politics of identity and “othering” in Northeast India are deeply rooted in the region's history. Understanding this helps us acknowledge the power of historical narratives, ideas and institutions and how they continue to shape the current political and social landscape. However, we should also recognize the significance of new ideas and insights, and fresh political thinking. While colonial frameworks and ideas have had persistent impacts on the identity politics of Northeast India, contemporary “worlds of difference” not only capitalize on, and reproduce, but can also resist the vestiges of archaic ideas and stereotypical representations.
Article Details
This World and the “Other”: Muslim Identity and Politics on the Indo-Bangladesh Border
Åshild Kolås
First Published August 26, 2023 Research Article
DOI: 10.1177/03043754231196587
Alternatives: Global, Local, Political
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