Civilians and Localisation of Conflict in Assam

This paper discusses the findings of a participatory research project on the impact of armed violence on civilians living in Nalbari district of Assam. It focuses on the subjective experiences of people living in a conflict zone where small arms are widely available. In a situation where fear of armed violence is widespread among local communities, the findings add to a growing alternative discourse on security in India, which insists on human security to be the content and core of future policies. The study also reasserts that sustainable and equitable development is necessary if human security is to be guaranteed in the long term.