APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 24/10/2026
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (24-10-2026).
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From The Assam Tribune, 24 October 2026
Q. “The geopolitical volatility in India’s neighbourhood, particularly the civil war in Myanmar and border standoffs, has transformed the Northeast from a connectivity gateway into a complex security vulnerability.” Critically analyze this statement in the context of India’s Act East Policy, and suggest measures to mitigate these multifaceted challenges. (250 words, 15 Marks)
Model answer
Under Article 355, the Union must protect states against external disturbances, a mandate recently tested as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) suspended the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to shield the Northeast from Myanmar’s geopolitical collapse [MHA Notification, 2024].
1. The Northeast as a Complex Security Vulnerability (Threat Dimensions)
- Spillover of Myanmar’s Civil War: The Arakan Army’s capture of key border towns (e.g., Paletwa) has created insurgent sanctuaries and a severe refugee influx into Manipur and Mizoram [UNHCR Report 2024].
- Sino-Indian Friction: Aggressive Chinese infrastructure build-up in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district directly threatens territorial integrity, as China rejects the McMahon Line.
- Narco-Terrorism Nexus: Proximity to the Golden Triangle accelerates a vicious cycle of instability: Narcotics (Myanmar) Illicit Wealth Arms Smuggling Insurgency financing in Manipur.
- Strategic Chokepoint Risks: Modernization of Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase exacerbates the vulnerability of Assam’s economic lifeline, the 22-km wide Siliguri Corridor.
2. Impact on the ‘Act East Policy’ (Vision vs. Reality)
| Strategic Pillar | Intended Vision (Act East Policy) | Current Reality / Disruption |
| Transit & Trade | Kaladan Multimodal Project linking Kolkata to Sittwe port. | Stalled indefinitely due to armed ethnic groups controlling the Kaladan river route [MEA]. |
| Border Integration | Free Movement Regime (FMR) for 16-km visa-free tribal transit. | Suspended entirely; government mandated a 1,643 km smart fence to stop infiltration [MHA]. |
| Regional FDI | Transforming the Northeast into an investment hub for ASEAN. | Capital flight and hesitancy due to unabated ethnic violence (e.g., 65,000+ displaced in Manipur) [NITI Aayog]. |
3. Measures for Mitigation (The Way Forward)
- Technological Border Grids: Expediting the deployment of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) using thermal and ground-based radar sensors along porous terrain [Madhukar Gupta Committee].
- Diplomatic Pragmatism: Exercising strategic autonomy by engaging both Myanmar’s military junta (Tatmadaw) and pro-democracy factions (NUG) to secure vital transit infrastructure.
- Assam’s Shielding Role: Expanding the Assam Police Cyber Dome and regional coordination cells to proactively intercept dark-web drug networks transiting via Guwahati to mainland India.
- Socio-Economic Buffers: Eradicating illicit poppy cultivation in border hills by substituting it with subsidized cash crops (e.g., palm oil) under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP).
Securing the Northeast through robust border management and pragmatic diplomacy is imperative to achieve SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions), transforming the region into the peaceful, economic anchor of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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