From Kashmir to Nagaland: Who failed us?

Unconventional conflicts fester because of political incompetence

India has usually made a hash of unconventional conflicts — Nagaland, Kashmir, Manipur and Left-wing extremism (LWE) have been thriving for decades. Punjab and West Bengal drowned in blood for years. There have been a few isolated successes. In Mizoram, the 1986 accord has held. In Jangalmahal, West Bengal, things seem under control though LWE is ravaging neighbouring states.

History indicates that conventional forces fighting lightly-armed civilians face a paradoxical problem: They can lose by winning. It costs a lot to train and arm a soldier and keep him (or her) fed and paid, with provisions for pension and medical