ABSTRACT
The opening chapter lays out the context and theoretical framework of the book. Theoretically, this chapter introduces the interrelated concepts of infrastructure of injustice, infrastructural injustice and infrastructure deficit. It maps out the waves of colonialisation and territorialisation of Northeast India and Manipur in particular. The chapter details the pervasive form of colonisation, what I identify as colonising by discourse. This practice is common to both the British and dominant community colonising towards tribes. To understand the poverty of infrastructure in tribal-dominated areas, the chapter also deals in the aspect of history which set it on its particular development path followed by the colonial rule and subsequently the State of India. The chapter ends with a reflection on post-independent infrastructure development and the much hyped Act East policy and its implication on tribes in the region.
