Mother, where’s my country

Anubha Bhonsle

The Delhi-based journalist Anubha Bhonsle, who has reported extensively from India’s north-east, covers the modern political history of Manipur in this book, drawing on extensive interviews with diverse subjects, among them Indian army and intelligence personnel, politicians, leaders of insurgent groups and ordinary people. She focuses on the insurgencies and counter-insurgencies that have defined the centre’s interaction with this north-eastern state, as well as the ethnic rivalries and corruption that exist within it. Bhonsle also highlights stories of resistance, such as Irom Shamila’s 15-year fast in protest of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Speaking Tiger, 256 pages, Rs 499