This article seeks to explain that if sense of being neglected and ignored is considered as the bedrock of alienation leading to serious socio-political repercussion in the North East, there is much to unfold.

List in the top is the enormous lack of infrastructural connectivity. The immediate consequence of this gap is the meager amount of communication, which is directly responsible in the segregation of 'we' and 'they'.

Therefore, to bring about sense of oneness and belongingness, infrastructural connectivity will be a better choice since invoking social, cultural and historical backgrounds can do little.

Stagnant economy and lack of development in the North East cannot be entirely blamed on volatile situation alone since successive governments are equally responsible for the whole mess. The reason is not far to see as there is lack of any concrete approach with 'human face' for this trouble-torn region other than perpetuating the process of militarization and tightening the 'carrot and stick' policy.

It is, therefore, not surprising that in the midst of protracted violence North East has been deprived of its due share in various developmental works. In matter of educational infrastructures for instance, the Region cannot be proud of any national repute except Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Gawahati).

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Itanagar is remained far from becoming a national standard both in term of infrastructure and academic pursuits. National Engineering College, Silchar is also lacking behind in all aspects. Likewise, few other technical colleges in the Region are not worth mention in their academic standard and adequacy of infrastructure.

Similarly, there is not a single medical institute of national repute even after 58 years of independence. The much fanfare North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong though exist for years is yet to be formally commission due to bureaucratic hurdle or as a result of purely step-motherly attitude.

Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal is also not doing better. And the state-run Agartala Medical College though inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, is yet to obtain formal recognition from the MCI (Medical Council of India) authority. The same is the case with R. Ambedkar Medical College, Agartala which was set up by the Kerala-based Global Educational Net (GEN).

Perhaps, Gauhati Medical College is the only institution in the region that enjoyed certain status in the country for its academic pursuits and as referral centre.

Yet again, North East does not figure in the much delayed Rs.2, 000 crores project of six AIIMS (All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences) like institutions finally approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. These medical institutions, which are likely to begin in the next financial year would be located mostly in Hindi speaking belt comprise of Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and Uttaranchal.

The much talk 'Look East' policy is also getting junked before it formally commission as no concrete infrastructure for the proposed project is visible till date. There is growing sense of apprehension that even if it materializes the Region may simply use as a corridor without getting direct benefit. This sort of anxiety is not without certain valid reason since NH-39, which from all practical point of views would be the live-line of the project, remain debilitated and ruined.

Likewise, the people are not convinced whether the newly projects - Central Institute of Horticulture at Medziphema and Cricket Stadium at Dimapur, both of which the foundation stone was laid by Sharad Pawar, Union Agriculture Minister and also President of BCCI would see the light of the day. If not, they are questioning how long these projects will take to turn into reality.

The same is the case with the recently agreed project of another Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to be based in Shillong.

Another clear sign of negligence and lack of sincerity towards the Region is the frequent shifting/reframing of plan priorities by different governments at the Centre. One of such classic cases was the diversion of rail-line project in Manipur from Diphu - Karong to Jiribam-Tupul. It may be noted that the former foundation stone was laid by the then Railway Minister, Nitish Kumar, belongs to NDA regime and the latter, Laloo Prasad Yadav, from the current UPA Congress-led government. This sort of developmental strategy has only added fuel to the existing feeling of negligence in the multi-ethnic communities of North East.

In addition, within the North East States, tribal areas are far from equal and balance with the plain areas. In Nagaland and Mizoram for instance, where 81.1 per cent and 94.5 per cent of the state's population are tribal other than Mizoram Engineering College, there is not a single professional institution. And in states of Manipur and Tripura where tribal constitute 34.2 per cent and 31.1 per cent respectively of the total population, not a single professional institution is established in the tribal areas.

Exceptionally, though in Meghalaya 85.9 per cent of her population are tribal, its capital - Shillong becomes the educational hub of the North East just because it was once the administrative centre for the entire North East.

Hence, there is pressing need to address the immense lack of infrastructural connectivity. It may not be out of place to mention that social revolution or political resistance movement does not start from the vacuum but the symptoms are usually deeply rooted in the prevailing socio-political environment.

The experience of socio-political situation left with no option but to trek the path of violence. Political violence is an offshoot of the lack of infrastructural connectivity and unaddressed of socio-political and economic issues. What this suggests is that to have a peaceful and harmonious social environment there should be mechanism to generate realistic socio-political condition. In other words, promotion and continuation of peace and harmony is conditioned by the sort of current social situation.

Unhappiness and feeling of been neglected is sometime expressed in the form of violence. Lost of respect on basic human values and principles, and lack of awareness on national spirit is not free from the consequence of negligence thereby depriving the opportunities. Law abiding, committed to national goal such as non-violence, secularism and socialism as enshrined in the constitution cannot be read in isolation from giving justice and similar treatment to all irrespective of region, caste and creed.

It is not easy to inculcate democratic ethos and principle of tolerance within the atmosphere of ill-feeling, discrimination and sense of being alienated. Hence, constant endeavour to promote and enhance infrastructural connectivity is imperative in order to instill the sense of oneness and feeling of belongingness.

The quality of togetherness is not just by virtue of being born in the same community but it requires constant reminding of identical social, historical, cultural and political background. Unfortunately, however, as far as the North East is concerned there is little connection with the mainland from the purview of the above criterion.

This variation is indeed the main reason that has often prompted the people of the North East to identify distinctively from the rest of the country. Although the fundamental and basic foundation of Indian society - Unity in Diversity can never be altered; it requires to be enforced both in letter and spirit.

Given this undisputable reality, it will be hard to instill the spirit of oneness through invoking socio-cultural and historical backgrounds. It is, in this juncture that the role of infrastructural connectivity is even becoming more relatable.

Likewise in any event, in many areas in the Region particularly, among the tribal judiciary system as enshrined in the constitution has little impact. They continue to decide cases ranging from civil and criminal in their own traditional customary laws and jurisprudence.

Even on subject of political connectivity and socialization which is largely seen as thriving is more of a myth. Democracy does not simply mean election but aware and access of basic human rights, facilities and social values.

However, the fact is that violations of human rights is rampant and for vast populace even the basic needs continue to remain elude not to talk of other facilities. And in most of the interior villages, majority of the people are hardly aware of the significance of political party, its manifesto or ideology.

They just exercise their franchise for seek of voting, blindly followed the hollow promises of the candidates or false canvassing of the local leaders. As a result of the enormous lack of infrastructural connectivity, education, which is the wheel of democracy, is continued to remain inadequate and lacking.

It is clear, there is little that people from the North East can identify with the mainland in the lack of infrastructural connectivity. This is more noticeable among the young people since their needs are varied and demand is high. In the midst of this, therefore, the youth sense of frustration as well as helplessness with the prevailing socio-political environment is escalating every time.

There is no time to remain complacent with the achievements but requires sincere effort to build infrastructural connectivity in order to meet the need of the agitated and anger youth. To arrest the youth from joining the violent path, process of militarization is not the solution but building adequate infrastructural connectivity will be a better choice.

To conclude, without infrastructural connectivity, initiatives such as national integration camp, cultural exchange programmes, popularizing national goals through mass-media and holding regular election will make little sense to promote sense of belongingness. Adequate infrastructural connectivity can not only helps to diminish the sense of alienation but also can generate constant flow of people to people contact.

Attachment in true sense can bring about through infrastructural connectivity and not by other fanciful approaches. How much attempt have been made to promote oneness through historical, social and cultural, it can hardly go beyond cosmetic affairs.

For a durable and lasting togetherness there is nothing like to build a strong infrastructural connectivity.