Separatist movements of India

Separatist movements are groups of people wanting to start a new country that is separate from a large existing country.

In India, some groups want separate countries for groups that have ethnic or language differences. Some groups call for a separate state, others for regional autonomy while some extreme groups demand complete full independence from India.

• Proposed state: Nagalim or People's Republic of Nagaland
  • Government-in-exile: Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland
  • Militant organisation: National Socialist Council of Nagaland

Nagaland was created in 1963 as the 16th State of Indian Union, before which it was a district of Assam. Insurgent groups classified as active, mainly demand full independence. The Naga National Council led by Phizo was the first group to dissent in 1947 and in 1956 they went underground.

Note that the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir is not recognised by Pakistan and China

• Proposed state: Independent United States of Kashmir
  • Political organisations: All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
  • Militant organisations: Lashkar-e-Toiba, Harkat-ul-mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammad

Both India and Pakistan say that Kashmir is a part of their nation. At one time, they were both a single country. India was divided based on which Party(Congress or Muslim league was more popular in each state. They fought wars over which country should get Kashmir. Separatists say that Kashmir should be a country that is separate from both India and Pakistan.

• Proposed state: Khalistan
  • see Khalistan Movement