Naxal Violence: India’s Achilles Heel

Naxal Violence: India’s Achilles Heel Author: Animesh Roul Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 08/23/2006 Category: Comment In comparison to the indiscriminate violence perpetrated by Islamic terrorists, the Naxal menace has been plaguing India for quite some time, posing as the other biggest internal security challenge.   The targeted violence by Naxals (also […]

Media Coverage, Ideological Effects, and Naxal Violence

Recently, the violent activities of left wing extremist in India have increased. The continual violent activities of these groups have attracted much media attention. The movement has been given front-page coverage in the print media and the broadcast in prime time televised news. This paper argues that the increased coverage of Naxal activities has produced ideological effects which further strengthen mobilising the cadres and sympathisers of Naxal, consequently, increasing the frequency of violence.

Violent Conflict in India: Issues of Contention

Most of the developing societies are facing the problem of complex violent conflict. India is not an exception, although the political set up of the country is based on freedom of choice. Presently, three major constituencies – Jammu and Kashmir, Northeastern India and Eastern and Central India – are facing a major armed conflict predicament. The armed protesters of these regions have different goals, and their issues of contention are different. The armed rebels of Jammu and Kashmir seek secession from Indian sovereignty; the Northeastern dissidents seek more autonomy in governance; and the Maoist groups of Eastern and Central India are contesting for the transformation of the Indian political system into the totalitarian regime. The aim of the paper is to examine the nature of the violent conflict which persists in various parts of India.

Key Words: Violent Conflict, Armed Conflict, Maoist Conflict in India, Sub national movement in India.