April 2012 Journal of Conflict Transformation & Security Grievance, Mobilisation and State Response: An examination of the Naxalite Insurgency in India By Chas Morrison* This paper explores the Naxalite insurgency in India in terms of causal mechanisms that lead to the intensification of rural civil conflict by focusing specifically on griev- ance, mobilisation and government responses to rebellion. Realist theory is inadequate when analysing the causal factors of complex insurgencies and the mechanisms lead- ing to their continuation. This case illustrates some aspects of intra-state conflict in a very large country, in terms of geography and population, and how the rebels have mobilised grievances at local level. New Delhi has addressed the conflict as both a de- velopment and a security challenge, and consequently has oscillated between repres- sion and concession in its responses. This approach has resulted neither in reduction of grievances through adequate rural development, nor in consistent armed response to the Naxalite threat. Without a comprehensive and clear set of state responses, the violence is likely to continue. Key words: Naxalite, Maoist, India, insurgency, Grievance, Mobilisation, State re- sponse. Journal of Conflict Transformation & Security Vol. 2 | No. 1 | April 2012 www.cesran.org  Chas Morrison is Research Fellow at the Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies at Coventry University. His current work focuses on Indian governance and security issues. He would like to thank Manish Jha for his insightful comments on an earlier draft of this paper. Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies Coventry University The Enterprise Centre ECG.2 Technology Park, Puma Way Coventry, CV1 2TT, UK e-mail: chas.morrison@coventry.ac.uk