India is the world's tenth largest economy and possesses the world's fourth largest military. The subcontinent houses about one-fifth of the world's population and its inhabitants are divided into various tribes, clans, and ethnic groups following five great religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Islam. Framing the debate using case studies from across the region as well as China, Afghanistan, and Burma and using a wealth of primary and secondary sources this incisive volume takes a closer look at the organization and doctrines of the 'shadow armies' and the government forces which fight the former. Arranged in a thematic manner, each chapter critically asks : why do stateless marginal groups rebel? How do states attempt to suppress them? What are the consequences in the aftermath of the conflict especially in relation to conflict resolution and peace building? Unconventional warfare in South Asia is a welcome addition to the growing field of interest on civil wars and insurgencies in South Asia. An indispensable read which will allow us to better understand whether South Asia is witnessing a "New war" and whether the twenty-first century belongs to the insurgents. -- Publisher's description.

"First published 2014 by Ashgate Publishing" -- Title page verso.

Counter-insurgency : theories and tools in South Asia -- Tribes, state-building and guerrillas in North-East India -- Communist insurgencies : Maoists in Nepal and India -- Jihadis in Kashmir -- Insurgencies and counter-insurgencies in Pakistan -- Insurgency and counter-insurgency in Afghanistan : from the Soviets to the Americans -- Insurgency and counter-insurgency in Punjab -- Insurgency and counter-insurgency in Sri Lanka : 1983-2009.