Despite its “largest democracy” claim, India faces rising internal conflicts through secessionist and freedom movements rooted in mass alienation and state mistrust. This Insight examines their origins, current status, and the state’s military, political, legal, and media responses amid growing domestic radicalism.

In India’s Northeast, post-independence integration failures have fuelled enduring secessionist movements, such as those in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Naga movement is rooted in identity-based grievances and refusal to join India due to state negligence, leading to the independence declaration (1947). Despite gaining so-called statehood (1963), key concerns remain unresolved. State-led Shillong Accords (1975), ceasefire (1997) and framework agreement (2015) have collapsed, leading to deadlocked negotiations, splits in liberation factions, and increased demand for Greater Nagaland.

Manipur’s conflict stems from ethnic tensions between dominant Meiteis and over 30 hill tribes with Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Kuki-Zomi and Naga tribes, mostly Christian, sought autonomy, while Meiteis, predominantly Hindu and excluded from ST status, formed a liberation front (1964). Despite a ceasefire (2008), deadly Meitei-Kuki clashes reignited (2023), fuelled by alleged bias from Meitei-led BJP-backed institutions. Despite troop deployments (40,000) and administrative division, peace remains elusive.

Assam movement (1979) stems from ethnic nationalism and fears of cultural erosion and economic marginalisation due to large-scale migration from Bangladesh. Groups like United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) have sought independence (1979), citing state neglect and threats to Assamese identity. Despite Assam Accord (1985), unrest has persisted. The ULFA-Arabinda faction signed peace deal (2020), but Baruah-led faction remains active.

In central-east, Naxalite movement began in Naxalbari, West Bengal (1967) as an armed struggle for land and........

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