India's north east states are connected to the rest of India by a narrow strip of land known as the Chicken's Neck. The states are almost excided from the rest of India and usually never come under the purview of mainstream matters. This has led to the isolation of the peoples, many of whom are racially distinct from the Aryan-Dravidian family of the rest of India and considered to be "foreigners". This has led to the rise in insurgent groups in the region, largely due to extreme poverty, joblessness and a feeling of isolation.

Some groups call for a separate state, others for autonomy while some extreme groups demand nothing but complete independence. Many groups are alleged to be surreptitiously funded by Pakistan's spy group — the Inter Service Intelligence and the Chinese. The chief sources of income for these groups include the narcotics trade originating from Myanmar and extortion.

Assam

Assam has been the hotbed of militancy for a number of years due to its porous borders with Bangladesh and Bhutan. The main causes of the friction include the anti-foreigner agitation in the 1980s and the simmering Assam-Bodo tensions. The insurgency status in Assam is classified as Very Active.

ULFA

The ULFA was formed in April 1979 to establish a sovereign state of Assam through an armed struggle. In recent times the organisation has lost out its top leaders after most of them surrendered to the Indian forces.

NDFB

The National Democratic Front of Bodoland was formed in 1989 as the Bodo Security Force, aims to set up a sovereign nation of Bodoland.

Manipur

Insurgent groups in Manipur are also classified as Very Active and stem largely from the delay in statehood.

Peoples Liberation Army

The Peoples Liberation Army is a leftist organisation formed in 1978 with the aim of liberating Manipur from India.

UNLF

The United National Liberation Front was created in 1964 and demands an independent socialist state of Manipur.

Nagaland

Nagaland was and independent monarchy before it merged with India in 1947. Insurgent groups classified as Active, mainly demand the return to the independence era. The Naga National Council led by Phizo was the first group to dissent in 1947 and in 1956 they went underground.

NSCN-IM

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland—Isak Mulvah was formed in 1980 to establish a Greater Nagaland, encompassing parts of Manipur.

NSCN-K

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland—Khaplang is the second faction with the same aim of a Greater Nagaland and was formed in 1988.

Tripura

The insurgent groups in Tripura were created mainly after the influx of refugees from East Pakistan after Partition. Their status is classified as Very Active

National Liberation Front of Tripura

The National Liberation Front of Tripura was formed in March 1989 with the intention of a liberated Tripura

All Tripura Tiger Force

The All Tripura Tiger Force was formed in 1990 with the sole aim of the expulsion of all Bengali speaking immigrants.

Meghalaya

Problems in Meghalaya arise from the divide between tribals and non tribal settlers, identity issues and growing corruption. The activity status is classified as Active.

ANVC

The Achik National Volunteer Council was formed in 1995 with the intentions of forming an Achik Land in the Garo Hills .

HNLC

The Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council aims to free the state from Garo domination and was formed in 1992.

Mizoram

Mizoram's tensions are largely due to the simmering Assamese domination and the neglect of the Mizo people. In 1996, the Mizo Accord was which brought peace to the region. Isnurgency status is classified as Partially Active

Hmar People's Convention-Democracy

The People's Convention-Democracy was formed in 1995 to create an independent Himar State.

BNLF

The Bru National Liberation Front was formed in 1997 to protect the rights and dignity of the Reangs .