D. Aravind asked: Why can’t the Tripura model be replicated in other insurgency hit states (especially the states suffering from Left Wing Extremism)?

Vivek Chadha replies: Every insurgency has its own peculiarities and dynamics, which defines and characterises it. Even two insurgencies in a single state could have a very different character. A look at the Bodo and the ULFA led insurgencies in Assam is an example. Similarly, the dynamics of various insurgencies in Manipur, which includes the Naga insurgency in the hills and Meitei dominated insurgency in the plains, is different, as is the Kuki led insurgency. Therefore, every insurgency should be tackled according to its peculiarities. It is also for the very same reason that solutions and successful case studies of one area cannot necessarily be applied to other regions.

It needs to be emphasised that insurgencies represent the unfulfilled political aspirations of the people of a region. These aspirations are supported by secondary factors, like the socio-economic realities of a region, support from an outside power, availability of safe havens, charismatic leadership and the weakness of state structures, amongst others. If one were to analyse some of these factors in the case of Tripura or even Mizoram, which is another case of a successful counterinsurgency campaign, one would realise that the conditions are very unique and different in Manipur, or for that matter in the Naxal affected regions. Speaking specifically of the Naxal-affected regions, since different states are involved in counter insurgency, different approaches to tackling the problem have emerged. It has thrown up varying models and levels of success in each of the affected states.

Therefore, it would be more prudent to assess each insurgency based on its peculiar characteristics, even as we keep the lessons from other successful models at the back of the mind. In all probability, the solution to local challenges will have to be tailored based on local needs and peculiarities.