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Theoretical and Pragmatic Challenges of Counterinsurgency within the Framework of a Constitutional Democracy: The Naxalite Movement in India from Independence-Present.

In analysing and comparing the simultaneous development of the Maoist and democratic political traditions in India, this paper hopes to show that the democratic government of India has the resources to undermine the Naxalite insurgency. However this is dependant on it having a clear political aim, through which it can confront the political challenges raised by the insurgency, and which is essential in order to bring about a peaceful settlement.

October 5, 2011

Hetal Shah, Center for Global Affairs, NYU , (1)

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Yet another example of failure by the central government of providing basic services to its people. The best counterinsurgency will not be through violence, but by living up to the promises guaranteed in the constitution. The discontent with the central government is after all the greatest weapon the Naxalites have. The Naxals are trying to become the alternative to an ineffective and corrupt system by usurping certain key functions of the state such as providing "justice, governance, [and a] monopoly of violence" throughout the Red Corridor. This authority can only now be contested by a democratically elected government that can legitimately provide the same.

December 14, 2011

Andrea Aquino, NYU, Bronze Contributor (23)

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It is true Hetal, the Naxals hold a large appeal in being an alternate option for the often ineffective and corrupt government system in India. This is how they effectively garner the support they do have, and they are not off base in their demands (although they rightly lose respect and effectiveness when they partake in violence). The central government should not be so stubborn, and should see the benefit for sustainable peace if they look to collaborate and actually listen to the root demands of the Naxals instead of proposing small ineffectual solutions to appease their cause.

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