because it was largely neglected by successive governments and left to follow its own traditions and lifestyles. Furthermore, its problems were compounded when the plain Bengalis were urged, even actively helped to settle in the hilly areas by successive governments. It created tension between the Bengali and the indigenous hill communities, significantly contributing to a protracted insurgency that for long kept development activities in the region in the backburner of government policies. Ironically, the insurgency woke up the governments to the necessity of turning their attention to the development of the region in an effort to contain the insurgency, based on the premise that development would turn the people away from the rebellion and towards enjoying the fruits of development.