Can the Naxalite Insurgency Finally Be Beaten? Assessing India's Longest-Running Conflict
For over half a century, India been battling an armed rebellion that's caused tens of thousands of deaths, disrupted entire regions, and challenged state authority. Indeed, the Naxalite insurgency has been one of the most prolonged and deadly uprisings in the world. However, at long last, the Indian government believes it's gained the upper hand and has set a deadline of March 2026 to finally defeat the rebels. Unlike conventional wars, insurgencies can be incredibly persistent. While some are resolved quickly, either by military action or through political negotiations, others can last for decades, sometimes spanning generations of fighters and outlasting numerous national governments. This longevity can be shaped by many different factors. Often fed by deeply rooted social, political, and economic grievances, they can also be prolonged by a sympathetic local population and the ability of insurgents to blend in with the communities around them. In addition, geography usual...