ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part describes the pre-Naxalite political movement that was formed in the Agency area of the district from the mid-1950s onward. It analyzes the shift of the local movement to Naxalism, the leadership, organization and ideology of the Naxalites, and their armed struggle. The Naxalite rebellion in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh was a self-described Maoist movement aimed at the immediate overthrow of state power. The Srikakulam Naxalite movement was not a totally isolated event. It followed soon after an uprising in the Naxalbari area of Darjeeling District in West Bengal. The Naxalites enjoyed the support of the Chinese communist government, against whom India had fought a war in 1962, and with whom relations were severely strained. The Srikakulam movement, which erupted in violence in 1968, was of longer duration and involved greater violence than Naxalbari.
