ABSTRACT
Ethno-regionalism is a form of regionalism where ethnic elements are emphasised in the description and delineation of a space. Ethno-regionalism expresses a feeling of belonging to this space by persons who feel affiliated to an ethnic group. Often, this feeling of belonging is associated with demands for the establishment of territorial-administrative boundaries and greater autonomy in the name of this group. Such contestations over regional boundaries reflect not only symbolic struggles over the interpretation of history, narratives of origin, and designations of indigenousness but are also often coupled with existential attempts of self-protection and self-governance. In a place like Northeast India where multiple ethnic groups share the same space, regionalisations can be fiercely contested, especially, when overlapping claims are connected to attempts at controlling resources within demanded territorial boundaries. This entry explores the different manifestations of ethno-regionalism in Northeast India.
