Shared identities and blurring borders: The case of north east migrants in urban centres
Authors : Babu P. RemeshAbstract
The paper discusses the `identity crises experienced by the out-migrants from India’s North- East Region (NER) in urban centres. It is explained that the migrants from the region (who differ considerably in terms of ethnic and state-specific identities) usually get identified as a homogenous group in the host destinations. Often, such `ascribed’ and `shared identities’ lead to `blurring of borders’ – both geographical and ethnic. Due to a `cultural gap’ between the host and native societies, the migrants often have to delimit their socialisations into certain enclaves (or ghettos) as these migrant-neighbourhoods provide mutual support, common facilities and social networks. In these shared social spaces, even members from communities which are in continuous conflict in their native states are found living harmoniously. Furthermore, many of the ethnic groups are found coming together in urban centres to raise their common concerns. In a way, urban-migration helps merging of diverse groups in the city- space. In this context, the paper argues that, out-migration often leads to blurring of political, geographical, ethnic boundaries and helps in creation of new migrant-identities and boundaries.
Key Words: Migration, North-East India, Identity Crisis, Social Networks
