Terrorism and Insurgency in India

BY - MS.KALPANA SAHOO 

Introduction: 

Terrorism and insurgency are major threats to India’s security, peace, and development. Terrorism is the use of violence or intimidation to create fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological goals, while insurgency is an organized armed rebellion against the state, usually in specific regions, to challenge government authority. 

In India, these threats take many forms, including cross-border terrorism, separatist movements in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast, and the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency in central India. Factors like political conflicts, poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and external support often fuel these movements. 

The impacts are severe, including loss of lives, economic disruption, social instability, and threats to national security. India addresses these challenges through legislation, intelligence, security operations, development initiatives, and international cooperation. Tackling terrorism and insurgency requires a balanced approach of law enforcement and addressing underlying socio-economic and political causes. 

Reasons behind terrorism an insurgency In India: 

• Political Conflicts – Territorial disputes and demands for autonomy, especially in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast, fuel insurgent movements. 

• Religious and Ideological Extremism – Extremist groups exploit communal tensions to achieve political or religious goals. 

• Economic Inequality – Poverty, unemployment, and lack of development make people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. 

• Foreign Support – Some terrorist and insurgent groups receive funding, training, or resources from external organizations or neighboring countries. 

• Weak Governance – Poor administration and lack of law enforcement in remote or neglected areas allow insurgents to operate freely. 

 

Major Terrorist and Insurgent Movements in India 

 

• Jammu & Kashmir Militancy – Armed separatist groups, often supported by Pakistan-based organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, aim to challenge Indian authority in the region. 

• Naxalite-Maoist Insurgency – Active in central and eastern India (Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha), targeting government offices, police, and infrastructure. 

• Northeast Insurgencies – Ethnic and separatist movements in states like Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam (e.g., NSCN, ULFA) demanding autonomy or independence. 

• Cross-Border Terrorism – Terrorist attacks carried out by groups from outside India, targeting civilians, security forces, and strategic locations. 

 

 Problems Arising from Terrorism and Insurgency 

• Loss of Lives: Civilians, security personnel, and insurgents are often victims of violence. 

• Economic Damage: Destruction of infrastructure, disruption of trade, and increased security expenditure. 

• Social Disruption: Fear, migration, communal tensions, and erosion of trust between communities. 

• Political Instability: Reduced state authority and challenges in governance in affected areas. 

• Psychological Impact: Fear among citizens and decreased quality of life in conflict zones. 

 

 Impact on Local and National Security 

1.Local Impact: 

• Loss of property and livelihoods. 

• Restricted access to education, healthcare, and basic services. 

• Displacement of populations in conflict-prone areas. 

2.National Security Impact: 

• Weakens border security. 

• Threatens economic stability. 

• Encourages foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. 

• Creates long-term strategic and political challenges. 

 

 Law and Order Measures 

1.Legislative Measures: 

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967: Allows preventive detention and action against terrorist organizations. 

• National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008: Establishes the NIA to investigate terrorism-related cases. 

• Arms Act, 1959 & Explosives Act, 1884: Regulates possession of firearms and explosives. 

2.Security Forces: 

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Indian Army, CRPF, BSF, and state police are involved in anti-terror operations. 

3.Intelligence Measures: 

• Agencies like RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) and IB (Intelligence Bureau) monitor threats. 

 

 India’s Major Steps Against Terrorism and Insurgency 

• Military Operations: Cross-border strikes and counter-insurgency operations in conflict zones. 

• Development Initiatives: Infrastructure, education, and employment schemes in insurgency-prone areas to reduce local support for extremist groups. 

• International Cooperation: Working with neighboring countries and global bodies to cut funding, training, and resources for terrorist groups. 

• Community Policing and Awareness: Programs to involve locals in reporting suspicious activities and building trust with law enforcement. 

• Cybersecurity Measures: Monitoring and countering online radicalization and recruitment. 

 

 Examples of Major Terrorist Incidents 

• 2008 Mumbai Attacks: Coordinated attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists, resulting in 166 deaths. 

• Pulwama Attack (2019): Suicide bombing targeting CRPF convoy in Jammu & Kashmir, 40 personnel killed. 

• Naxalite Attacks: Frequent attacks on police and government officials in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. 

• Assam and Nagaland Insurgencies: Regular bombings and ambushes by ethnic separatist groups. 

 

 Solutions to Combat Terrorism and Insurgency 

• Strengthen Intelligence and Security: Better coordination among agencies and increased surveillance. 

• Address Root Causes: Reduce poverty, inequality, and political grievances in affected areas. 

• Community Engagement: Include locals in peacebuilding and reporting suspicious activities. 

• Strict Legal Action: Effective prosecution under anti-terror laws to deter potential terrorists. 

• Regional Diplomacy: Work with neighboring countries to stop cross-border terrorism. 

 

 Conclusion 

Terrorism and insurgency are complex challenges that affect India at both local and national levels. While security operations, legislation, and intelligence gathering have reduced attacks, sustainable peace requires a combination of development, community engagement, and strict law enforcement. Addressing the socio-economic and political roots of insurgency is as important as eliminating its violent manifestations. India’s comprehensive approach aims to safeguard its citizens, strengthen governance, and ensure long-term stability. 

 

The Assamese Language: A Pillar of Unity in Assam

 By Snigdha Devi

Assam, situated in the northeastern part of India, is a region characterized by its rich tapestry of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. Amidst this diversity, the Assamese language has emerged as a unifying force, bridging communities and fostering a collective identity. From its ancient roots to its contemporary significance, Assamese has played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-cultural and political landscape of Assam.

Historical Evolution and Linguistic Identity

The origins of the Assamese language can be traced back to the 7th century AD, evolving from the Magadhi Prakrit, an Eastern Indo-Aryan language. Over centuries, it assimilated influences from Sanskrit, Tai-Ahom, and other regional languages, resulting in a unique linguistic identity. The earliest forms of Assamese literature are found in the 9th-century Buddhist verses known as Charyapada, which exhibit affinities with Assamese and other regional languages (Barua, 1933).

During the Ahom dynasty (13th–19th centuries), Assamese became the administrative and court language, further solidifying its prominence in the region. The Ahoms, originally from Myanmar, adopted Assamese as their language of governance, thereby institutionalizing its use in official matters. Historical chronicles like the Buranjis were composed in Assamese, contributing to its status as a language of administration and culture (Guha, 1991).

The Role of Literature and Saints in Cultural Unification

Assamese literature blossomed under the patronage of saints like Srimanta Sankardeva and Madhavadeva in the 15th and 16th centuries. Their compositions, including devotional songs (Borgeet) and plays (Ankiya Nat), were written in Assamese and played a crucial role in spreading the language among the masses. The Bhakti movement, spearheaded by these saints, utilized Assamese as a medium to impart spiritual teachings, making the language accessible to people from all walks of life (Neog, 1965).

Colonial Challenges and Linguistic Revival

The British colonial era posed challenges to the Assamese language. In the mid-19th century, the British administration favored Bengali over Assamese in education and administration. This policy led to a decline in the use of Assamese and sparked a sense of linguistic identity among the Assamese-speaking populace. The publication of the first Assamese periodical, Arunodoi, in 1846, marked the beginning of a literary renaissance. Missionaries and scholars like Hemchandra Barua contributed significantly to the development of Assamese grammar and lexicon, laying the foundation for modern Assamese literature (Barua, 1933; Neog, 1965).

The Assamese Language Movement and Political Assertion

The demand for making Assamese the official language gained momentum after the independence of India, particularly following the States Reorganization Act of 1956. The Assam Official Language Act of 1960 made Assamese the official language of the state, reflecting the aspirations of the Assamese-speaking majority to preserve and promote their linguistic heritage. This movement, while facing opposition from non-Assamese-speaking communities, demonstrated the central role of language in fostering collective identity (Das, 1986; Wikipedia, 2024).

Assamese in Education and Media: Fostering Unity

Education in Assamese has been instrumental in fostering unity. Schools and colleges across Assam impart education in Assamese, ensuring that the younger generation remains connected to their cultural roots. The proliferation of Assamese media, including newspapers like Dainik Janambhumi and television channels like Prag News, has further strengthened the language’s presence in daily life. These platforms not only provide news and entertainment but also promote Assamese literature, music, and art, creating a shared cultural space for the people of Assam (Borgohain, 2000).

Festivals and Cultural Celebrations: Celebrating Linguistic Unity

Festivals like Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam, serve as a testament to the unifying power of the Assamese language. During Bihu, people from various communities come together to celebrate, sing Bihu songs, and perform traditional dances. The lyrics of these songs, often in Assamese, narrate tales of love, nature, and daily life, resonating with the collective consciousness of the people. Such cultural celebrations transcend ethnic and linguistic boundaries, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among the diverse populations of Assam (Barua, 1995).

Assamese as a Medium of Resistance and Identity

Throughout history, the Assamese language has been a tool of resistance. During periods of political unrest and social upheaval, Assamese literature and songs have been used to voice dissent and mobilize the masses. The language has served as a medium to articulate the aspirations and struggles of the Assamese people, reinforcing its role as a unifying force in times of adversity (Deka, 2003).

Contemporary Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite its rich heritage, the Assamese language faces challenges in the modern era. The influx of non-Assamese-speaking populations and the dominance of English in global communication pose threats to the preservation of Assamese. However, initiatives like the inclusion of Assamese as a classical language by the Government of India in 2024 have provided a boost to its status and recognition (Times of India, 2024).

To ensure the continued relevance of Assamese, it is essential to integrate the language into various spheres of life, including technology, business, and governance. Encouraging the use of Assamese in digital platforms, promoting Assamese literature and arts, and implementing policies that support the language can help in preserving and promoting its rich legacy.

Conclusion

The Assamese language stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of the people of Assam. Over the centuries, it has evolved, adapted, and thrived, serving as a bridge that connects diverse communities and fosters a shared identity. In a globalizing world, the preservation and promotion of regional languages like Assamese are crucial in maintaining cultural diversity and heritage. As Assam continues to progress, the Assamese language will remain a cornerstone of its unity and cultural pride.

References

1. Barua, B. K. (1933). A Cultural History of Assam. Guwahati: Department of Historical Research.
   
   

2. Neog, M. (1965). Early History of the Assamese Language. Gauhati University.
   
   

3. Guha, A. (1991). Medieval and Early Modern Assam: Society, Polity, and Culture. Oxford University Press.
   
   

4. Das, A. (1986). Language Movements in Assam. Assam Sahitya Sabha.
   
   

5. Borgohain, H. (2000). Assamese Media and Cultural Identity. Journal of Northeast Indian Studies.
   
   

6. Deka, P. (2003). Assamese Literature as a Medium of Social Change. Guwahati: Spectrum Publications.
   
   

7. Wikipedia. (2024). Assamese Language Movement. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assamese_Language_Movement
   
   

8. Times of India. (2024). Assamese Language Achieves Classical Status. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
   
   

From Ambulance Refusals to Missing Bodies: The Silent Crisis of Healthcare Inequity

By Nazmin Saikia

India’s health system has produced many success stories — expanded immunisation, growing tertiary hospitals, and improved life expectancy — but persistent gaps in access, responsiveness and dignity continue to cost lives. Recent reported incidents across the country illustrate a pattern in which distance, poverty, caste and administrative failure combine to deny timely care to the most vulnerable. This article presents a fact-based account of several documented cases and surveys, sets them in the broader context of systemic weaknesses, and cites contemporaneous reporting for each claim.

A stillborn carried home in a carry-bag: an emergency system that failed

In June 2025, a widely reported case underlined the cost of a failed emergency response. A tribal man from Palghar district, Maharashtra, said his wife went into labour and that emergency services did not provide an ambulance. After repeated calls to the 108 service, the couple reached the civil hospital only to be turned back, the family reported; the stillborn child was then carried home on a state transport bus in a carry-bag after an 80–90 km journey. The sequence of events was confirmed to reporters by local health staff and covered by national outlets. The episode generated widespread public attention and local outrage about ambulance availability for remote tribal communities. (www.ndtv.com)

Maternal deaths at primary health centres: staff absence and infrastructure gaps

Rural primary health centres are the first line of care for obstetric emergencies; when they lack qualified personnel, outcomes can be fatal. In the Korba district (Chhattisgarh), relatives of a tribal woman from a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) alleged that both mother and newborn died after delivery at a PHC where the in-charge doctor was absent and a nurse alone attended the birth. The family filed a complaint, and authorities launched an inquiry; the incident was documented in press reports that note the complaint’s specifics and ongoing investigation. Similar reports from other districts have identified ambulance delays, non-availability of trained staff, and gaps in referral systems as recurring problems in rural maternal care. (The Times of India)

Denial of treatment over cost: private facilities and upfront cash demands

A separate set of reports shows how cost barriers in private hospitals can produce fatal delays even in urban areas. In April 2025, a pregnant woman in Pune reportedly required urgent intervention but, according to media accounts, the treating hospital demanded a substantial advance before proceeding. The family said they could not immediately meet the requested payment and that delayed treatment contributed to the woman’s death; the hospital later faced an FIR and an investigation by police and medical authorities. These episodes highlight the structural risk posed when emergency care is tied to upfront payment capacity rather than clinical need. (India Today)

Older patients dying while seeking beds and oxygen: system congestion and triage failures

In a case reported from Lucknow in August 2025, family members said a 70-year-old man died after hours of being shifted between hospitals and waiting for an oxygen-equipped bed; they alleged repeated delays in response and inability to obtain timely admission. Hospital authorities acknowledged extreme pressure on emergency services and high occupancy levels. Such instances are part of a pattern where shortages of critical care resources, uneven distribution of oxygen or ventilators, and overwhelmed referral pathways contribute to preventable deaths. (India Today)

Surveys and patterns: discrimination and denial at the intersection of caste, poverty and geography

Beyond individual tragedies, surveys and research indicate broader trends. A countrywide Oxfam India survey and related reporting have found that a significant proportion of respondents report having faced discrimination in healthcare on grounds of caste, religion or socio-economic status. The survey data — and follow-up reporting — show that Dalit and Adivasi respondents report higher rates of discriminatory experience in medical settings than average respondents. Additionally, local civil society studies and media investigations document frequent problems: denial or delay of ambulances, absence of staff at PHCs, inability to pay advance fees at private hospitals, and obstructed release of dead bodies pending payments or paperwork. These documented patterns underscore how social marginality and poverty intersect with infrastructural deficits to produce exclusion from care. (Business Standard)

Missing bodies and indignities after death: procedural and financial barriers

Several reports highlight indignities after death as an aspect of systemic failure. Families have reported difficulty securing the timely release of bodies from hospitals because of administrative holdbacks, payment disputes or delays in medico-legal procedures. Media outlets have documented cases in which families were forced to wait, make repeated requests, or seek police intervention to obtain mortal remains for last rites. These processes inflict additional trauma on bereaved families and raise legal and ethical questions about the treatment of patients and post-mortem procedures in both public and private facilities. (See related reporting cited above for specific instances.) (Business Standard)

Causal factors documented in the reporting

Contemporary reporting and official statements point to several recurring causes behind these incidents:

• Ambulance and referral system gaps. In many districts, emergency medical services are understaffed or misallocated; calls to emergency numbers do not always translate into timely ambulance dispatches for remote or tribal hamlets. The Palghar case is a vivid illustration reported in the national media. (www.ndtv.com)
  
  

• Staffing shortfalls at the primary care level. Reports from multiple states document absent doctors at PHCs or understaffed facilities, leaving mid-level staff to handle complex deliveries without backup. The Korba case reported such an absence and consequent investigation. (The Times of India)
  
  

• Upfront payment demands in private hospitals. High advance requirements, even for emergency obstetric care, have led to delays while families attempt to arrange funds; criminal negligence FIRs and hospital inquiries often follow such deaths. The Pune case led to police filing and media coverage. (India Today)
  
  

• Resource shortages and surge management. Tertiary centres operating beyond capacity face triage dilemmas; families report difficulty obtaining oxygen beds or ventilators during high demand, as documented in Lucknow coverage. (India Today)
  
  

• Social discrimination and marginalisation. Survey evidence shows caste and religion can operate as determinants of healthcare treatment quality and access, increasing vulnerability among Dalit and Adivasi communities. (Business Standard)
  
  

Regulatory and legal responses reported

Where these events have been reported, they have prompted a mix of responses: FIRs against medical personnel in a few cases; inquiries by health departments; media scrutiny; and public protests. In some instances, hospitals defended their actions by citing resource constraints or disputing families’ accounts. Courts and state health regulators are often asked to review procedural lapses; however, the pace of formal inquiries and litigation means remedies can be slow relative to the urgency of the underlying health deficits. Journalistic investigations and civil society monitoring have called for faster administrative action and transparent reporting of audit findings. (India Today)

Geographic reach: rural, tribal and peri-urban vulnerabilities

The cases and surveys together show the problem is not confined to one region. Tribal hamlets on rural peripheries (Palghar, Korba), mid-sized urban centres (Pune), and tertiary facilities in large cities (Lucknow) all feature in reporting. Common across these geographies is uneven access to emergency transport, diagnostic and critical care capacity, and financial protection mechanisms — meaning that both location and socio-economic status shape outcomes. Survey data documenting caste-based discrimination further underlines the cross-cutting nature of the problem. (www.ndtv.com)

Documented remedies and policy actions in news reporting

Press reporting and public statements identify a series of remedial measures being pursued or recommended:

• Strengthening ambulance services, with clearer dispatch protocols and monitoring of 108/102 response times in remote districts.
  
  

• Filling medical staff vacancies at PHCs and ensuring roster systems prevent single-point absences during peak demand.
  
  

• Enforcing emergency treatment norms that prevent upfront denial for inability to pay, and ensuring hospitals observe the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) and related consumer protection rules.
  
  

• Fast-track inquiries and transparency in investigations into deaths alleged to result from negligence, including timely public disclosure of the findings.
  
  

• Tackling discrimination through training and accountability measures anchored in health department directives and patient-rights charters. (www.ndtv.com)
  
  

Conclusion — documented facts and continuing inquiry

Recent reporting across multiple reputable outlets documents a pattern in which emergency response failures, staffing shortfalls, upfront payment demands and social marginalisation intersect to produce preventable deaths and indignities for India’s poorest and most marginalised citizens. Each named case — the Palghar tribal man who carried his stillborn child in a bag on a long bus journey after being denied an ambulance, the Korba PHC maternal death amid staff absence, the Pune woman denied care pending payment, and the Lucknow patient who died awaiting a critical bed — is recorded in contemporaneous press accounts and has prompted official inquiries or criminal complaints. Survey evidence further indicates that discrimination in access to care is a recurring problem for Dalit, Adivasi and minority communities. (www.ndtv.com)

For policymakers, clinicians and health administrators, the documented imperative is clear in the reporting: strengthen emergency and referral systems, prioritise staffing and resource allocation in underserved areas, enforce patient rights in private facilities, and address the social determinants of exclusion so that timely, dignified care is not a matter of geography, caste or pocketability but a guaranteed service for all.

Selected source citations (by reporting instance):

• NDTV coverage of Palghar ambulance denial and carry-bag journey. (www.ndtv.com)
  
  

• Hindustan Times is reporting on the same Palghar incident. (Hindustan Times)
  
  

• Times of India report on tribal woman and newborn dying at PHC in Korba district. (The Times of India)
  
  

• India Today reports on Pune pregnant woman denied treatment and subsequently FIR. (India Today)
  
  

• India Today and Medical Dialogues are reporting on a Lucknow patient dying while waiting for treatment. (India Today)
  
  

• Oxfam India survey reporting and Business Standard analysis on discrimination in healthcare access. (Business Standard)