North-Eastern Zone

North-Eastern Zone This zone includes the seven north-eastern states, and the major tribal groupS here are Nagas, Khasi, Garo, Mishing, Miri, Karbi and the Apatanis. Ecological degradation because of shifting cultivation 'and inaccessibility due to lack of communication facilities are two major problems of these tribes. Because of a high degree of isolation, the tribes of this sector have not really shared history with the mainstream Indians and have instead shared history with the neighbouring communities. This explains why there is an element of hostility of these tribes with the mainstream. These tribes mainly belong to the Mongoloid stock which gives them a distinct ethnic identity. These tribes have a very high rate of literacy and conversions to Christianity, mainly because of the mission­ary activities during the colonial rule. Among the more advanced tribes of this region are the Khasis, Garo and Miri.