In a tumultuous year that was marked not only by security concerns from across the two extremities of India’s borders, primarily in India’s eastern seaboard, a quiet and reasonable voice that counselled both calibrated methodology and remedy continually came to the fore in the time of distress that overcame India national security.
Myanmar was already in the throes of grave unrest, the new “Drone Wars” that were beleaguering the battling Myanmar Army and the Peoples’ Defence Force began to enter the North East via Manipur. The conflict in the “Land of Emeralds” showed no sign of abating. Indeed, non-orthodox dissonance by way of an upsetting interior design that had begun to intimidate the region with the coup de’tat in Bangladesh exacerbated the temperament of India even further. It was important that a sage tone needed to rectify wrongs. The tenor was that of a personage that the Indian state could ignore at its peril.
While it cannot be immediately discerned whether the caution and direction were heeded to its fullest by policymakers in New Delhi, the aspect that resonated across the length and breadth of India—particularly the sensitive North East of the country—was that Jaideep Saikia’s voice had a gravity that can, in 2025 should forcibly come upon us and array course correction for India’s national security when the nation’s needs it most.
People who knew Jaideep Saikia has endorsed the selection of Northeast News (nenews.in) thus:
I know Jaideep Saikia for several decades through his many perceptive analyses of the North-east security scenario and later through his comprehensive inputs on the changing security character of India’s neighbourhood. In my long career in Assam’s intelligence department, I had many opportunities to interact with him and get his various perceptive analytical inputs that provided a dimension to our own analysis without, of course, in any way compromising our own assessment of various dynamic situations. He has edited a number of important books on security scenario with contributions from various experts from different fields, besides himself writing a few perceptive books on similar subjects.
Jaideep Saikia is also a cerebral poet with the publication of a number of poetry anthologies.
Harekrishna Deka IPS (Retd), Former DGP of Assam
Jaideep Saikia is a very well-respected strategic thinker. He has authored numerous books and articles published in renowned journals & national dailies.
He has made invaluable contributions in shaping India’s strategic policies and has significantly impacted national policies, especially for the Northeast region of our country.
As a renowned guest speaker, he inspires future military leaders. His insightful lectures on strategizing in today’s world order at prestigious military institutions are highly respected.
His dedication to national security is truly commendable.
We extend heartfelt gratitude for his tireless and selfless efforts in serving the nation.
Lt Gen Abhijit Pendharkar
General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps, Rangapahar
It should be a matter of gratification to those who know Jaideep Saikia and his sterling works that he should be so honoured. The large volume of his work on national security has always been informed by a knowledge of strategy, grounded on firm empirical foundations. His understanding of the problems of the north-eastern region, particularly those relating to internal security is almost unrivalled. What needs to be underscored, however, are his observations and recommendations that generally round off his writings and lectures on the subject which those concerned with the nation’s defence and security can ignore at their peril.
Imdad Hussain
Former Professor and Head of the Department of History& Dean of Social Sciences,
North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong
In my not so short interaction with countless people during my life, I have never come across a man of spotless integrity, dedication and courage as Jaideep Saikia. In the olden days, a pet “last line” in an Annual Confidence Report written by many a distinguished elder about someone who he considered “outstanding in every respect” ran something like this: I will want to take him into battle with me. Jaideep Saikia is just such an admirable candidate.
Lt Gen (Retd) B.K. Bopanna, Former Director General, National Cadet Corps & General Officer Commanding, 21 Mountain Division
I have known Jaideep Saikia for nearly three decades. He is an authority on the Northeast and his articles and books on terrorism and insurgency are read not only in the region, but across the country. He is an asset to the strategic community.
Prakash Singh
Former Director General of Police, Assam and Uttar Pradesh & Director General, Border Security Force
What sets Jaideep Saikia apart from other security analysts is his deep understanding of the ethos of the communities that inhabit North East India, and the dynamics of their relationships with each other. Jaideep captures with equal authority the geo-political and socio-economic factors that influence India’s relationship with countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Bhutan and Nepal. His insightful, and ruthlessly honest analysis of complex situations invariably brings out a solution too. His prognosis is not something that people in charge of strategic planning in the government can ignore.
Jyotirmay Chakravarty, IPS (Retd)
Former Commissioner of Police, Guwahati City
I have no hesitation in asserting that Jaideep Saikia is an eminent security analyst on issues related to terrorism in the north east. This is reflected in the impressive body of published material to his credit not only by way of numerous articles but also by way of the several books authored by him. It is not surprising therefore that he is a much sought after speaker at a multiplicity forum. I wish him the very best and am sure that he will continue serving the nation through his studies and writings.
Satish Chandra, IFS (Retd)
Former Secretary, National Security Council Secretariat, Government of India
In celebration of the just and sane voices that are being enjoined by practitioners of theory and theoreticians of practice who laud Jaideep Saikia’s strategic brilliance and dedication to the Indian nation in gusto, Northeast News (nenews.in) votes.
