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G08: Civil Wars around the world: India

A guide to major (non USA) Civil Wars in Modern history

Overview India

India has experienced several civil wars and internal conflicts in its history, each shaped by unique power dynamics. One of the most notable conflicts was the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, which began in the late 1960s and is still ongoing in certain parts of the country.

The power dynamics of the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency are shaped by socio-economic inequalities, caste-based discrimination, and political marginalization of certain regions and communities. The conflict is led by communist rebels who seek to overthrow the Indian government and establish a communist state. The rebels are active mainly in rural and forested areas, where they have set up their own governance structures and established guerrilla warfare tactics against Indian security forces.

The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. The Indian government has responded with various counterinsurgency measures, including military and police operations, as well as development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict.

The Naxalite-Maoist insurgency is just one example of the complex power dynamics that shape internal conflicts in India. Other conflicts include the Kashmir conflict, which involves competing claims of sovereignty over the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as various separatist movements in states such as Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur. These conflicts are driven by a range of factors, including identity politics, economic grievances, and regional disparities in development.