“Lines That Divide, Voices That Unite” — An Exclusive with Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom on India’s Border Disputes
India’s border disputes are among the most complex and sensitive issues shaping its geopolitical landscape. From the Line of Actual Control in the north to the often-overlooked boundary tensions in the northeast, these conflicts impact national security, regional diplomacy, and the lives of millions residing in border areas. With historical legacies and modern-day power politics at play, the need for informed dialogue is more pressing than ever.
Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom, recipient of the International Author and Columnist Award, brings a rare blend of insight and intellectual depth to the global discourse. Her fearless voice and in-depth analysis have consistently challenged narratives and opened minds.
- What inspired you to choose India’s border disputes as your central topic of discussion at an international level?
Answer: I think a topic chosen for motherland is worth raising a voice for. Manipur is my motherland and Manipur is suffering since the Bristish time. The current situation is worst and has to be dealth with, by the Indian Govt as this may escalate and effect to India as an entire Nation. - Many of these disputes date back to colonial times. How relevant is the historical context in resolving today’s border tensions?
Answer: The many reservations made for the Tribals in Manipur is been created from the colonial times and needs an upheaval. Indeed the root starts from the colonial times. Currently the issue is geopolitical and has been made as a religious and communal issue. The Borders of any Nation is like the main door of a home. It has to be secured. For example, the “Any Kuki tribe” as a distinction given long back – benefits anyone coming from the border and others and this helps those from outside getting that tag and then misuse the quota of ST which is not at all accpetable, and thus penetrate the Indian citizenship rights. This has enabled many to come upto the positions of IAS and others, so we see a pattern in this way. Just imagine where is this leading to. Also, many policies has to change for better and many new policies needs to be work on by the government.
- From your perspective, which current border dispute poses the greatest challenge to India’s internal and external stability, and why?
Answer: Border is a border and has to be secured, although borders to like Bhutan is not of a concern to us as of now, otherwise, border to China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Burma is of a great concern and has to be dealth with serious actions. We all know countries like these above mentioned have been creating havoc for us for a very long time. India has to become a more powerful Nation now so the neighbours think twice before taking any step against India. And that can be done only by Defence Power, Nuclear Power and Science and Technology advancements. India has to put in more finance for the Research and Development and space technology.
- How do you see the role of media and authors in shaping public opinion and policy discourse around sensitive territorial issues?
Answer: A “Kavi” or Poet speaks the truth and speaks the heart out, people reads them, and listens to them. Media is a power unless controlled by the wrong sources. The Poet or Media taking up issues like territorial concerns make it more aware to the wide public and it enables people to step out and do their part as a citizen in whatever small and big way. It is the leaders which comes out of Public and this happens only after the awareness is doing it’s part of action.
- What message would you like to share with young writers and thinkers who want to contribute meaningfully to geopolitical conversations?
Answer: I would say speak the truth, “Satyamev jayate”/ truth prevails. Support the righteous, stand for the right and right. Never give up, and issues like National ones are of great concerns and young authors and thinkers does the magic effect to the society. Let that be for the righteous and for the Nation. - What steps do you believe can be taken both at the personal and governmental level to reduce tensions and promote peace in border-sensitive regions?
Answer: Talks, treaties, discussions and policies makes a huge impact but for all this a Nation needs to be powerful and should have a say in terms of the government level. At the personal level, we can spread awareness, which I do as a Poet and Author.
-I live for the soil, I will die for the Motherland.
-Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom
