Environmental Scarcity, Political Exclusion, and Migration: Rethinking the Chakma Displacement in Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

This study examines Chakma migration from Pakistan to Arunachal Pradesh through Homer-Dixon’s scarcity-conflict model and the ENCOP model. It contends that migration in South Asia arises from the convergence of environmental degradation, political marginalization, and uneven development rather than mere economic factors. Using qualitative methods that combine historical, legal, and demographic analyses, the research uncovers how state-led development and institutional exclusion have produced enduring displacement and inter-ethnic tensions. It critiques dominant models for overlooking governance, identity, and citizenship in the migration-conflict nexus. The study proposes an integrated governance framework that aligns developmental goals with rights-based inclusion, reframing migration from a source of instability to a potential driver of regional resilience. Ultimately, it highlights how environmental scarcity, political exclusion, and identity politics intersect to shape forced migration and conflict.