Is alienation of North East India true or just media exaggeration.

Yes! The debate has generally accepted that there is a sense of tension, maybe not alienation. But I think it is largely due to us in the mainland India. The South Indians faced this a few years ago till we woke to the reality that India does not stop north of the Vindhyas. I guess India will have to accept the same of the part of India east of Eastern Hills. And Shanti's view of Anglo Indians may be true too. We just have to understand that this land is a land of diversity not only in geography, but socially, culturally and ways of living and thinking. As for the media, Yes Vinoy may have a point. It is in its adolescence. Then we need to give it attention reserved for a adolescent. Don't take it too seriously in serious matters. 

Yes, it does exists. Politically, it plays a strategic location as we all know, tribal leaders to some extend foster these kind of attitude among the masses. Moreover, Govt of India is, on the other hand, preserving their identity (keeping their culture, social background intact) in a way help grow this alienation too. Geographically, the rugged exotic mountainous region makes a bit communication by land , a difficult task to be achieved. Socially, howsoever, united the tribes are, their individual identity keep them apart. Tribal groups are many & local leaders take advantage of this. These are the barriers that make others feel alienated.

Knowing all these short-falls, these community needs to gear-up on their own to meet the challenge, by taking all the Govt program. Govt too, needs to come forward to offer them opportunity, in possible ways to help them overcome & establish their identity.

I do agree with Shanti here. Not only Bangalore, everywhere media plays a major role. Why should the media mention names of deceased in the Kokrajhar riots? I presume, it is only to tell the Hindus how many Hindus are killed, and to the Muslims, 'see so many Muslims are killed, what are you waiting for'! Media has a major role to play, but they believe that they are above anything. Bullshit. I am from the media, and prior to that I too was in a daily english newspaper, and I know what they do. aam aadmi believes in every word printed in a newspaper or words said in any TV channel. Please do not forget that the people who runs this media organization are also human being, and they are not error free. Sometime they do make mistake unknowingly, sometime with 'a purpose', and some time they are just stupid enough to not to think what their actions might lead others into.

Shameena it is commendable when you point out the need for knowledge of ground reality. I think is the problem with the amalgation that vinoy mentions about but does not take place. With all fondness, I must confess that majority of Indians do not have a good feel of the ground culture of the North Easterns. Many friends of mine who belong to the Anglo Indian community too face this problem. I guess this is the area where we Indians as a nation needs to work on.

Sorry if you misinterpreted my statement " why only Shanti and I should be the voice of the NE?" By the statement, I meant from the region with hard ground knowledge. I also strongly back Srinivas' contention that we have begun to look after ourselves as Telganaites, marathis, Bengalis etc.. This is nothing short of calamity for a diverse country like India. We are already split down the middle by caste and to a lesser extent religion and language. Least we need is a split on diverse local identity. As pointed in another debate on this forum ( http://toostep.com/idea/what-i-like-about-india-is ) - the way we have existed alongside each other as a nation is a miracle by itself.

Thanks Srinivas, for sharing my views. That is my personal views. I don't have control over other people's minds. All are free to think, but I think, we should think positively.

Shameena, thanks for your support. However, why only Shanti and I should be the voice of the NE? If we live in one India, why cannot we all can be the voice of the NE or that matter for any part of the country? Folks, please come forward, our predecessor fought for one India, and we should also talk about one India. And if one of us is feeling neglected, (irrespective of whether he is neglected or not) we should try the extra step to see that he is not neglected or does not feel like neglected any more. As far as I am concerned, first I am an Indian, then Assamese and then a Muslim, and I am proud of that.

Firoz and Shanti seems to be voices of the NE. And posts by them prove what I have always held from my experience with them. They are large hearted and jolly by nature. They do not cringe and cry like most of Indians. Hence they are neglected. The Annna experiment and Iron Sharmila are wonderful experiments. We wasted a good 1 year on Anna and his team(just look at the buffoon they have turned out today.). But how many of us even remembers a brave lady like Sharmila. Time rest of India wakes up.

No doubt the India experiment has largely been an outstanding success in last 6 decades. Especially in the field of democracy, universal adult franchise and freedom to thought and action, India has been a huge success. However we cannot sweep under the carpet the failing we as a state have to confront. Especially in the areas we usually hold our heads high in. The proposer of the debate believes our inability to amalgamate our fellow country men in The North East is a big blot on our record. We have largely alienated these sections due to our ignorance and self obsession. So much so that today they do genuinely share a feeling disenchantment.

Vinoy I am in total agreement with your views on the subject. Very well explained.