ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the nature, causes, and consequences of the violent class and identity conflicts, beginning first with the Maoist rebellion. Episodic violent ethnic conflicts existed prior to the Maoist armed conflict but were largely ignored or were investigated superficially by the media, academia, and policy makers. During the armed conflict, around 15,000 people were killed, thousands were injured and displaced, and millions were affected psychologically, economically, and politically. The literature on insurgency and civil strife identifies income inequality as a major cause of violent conflict. Democracy is supposed to manage conflicts and contestations peacefully through voting or peaceful lobbying and mobilization, but violent conflicts rose after democracy was restored in 1990. Incidences of violent ethnic and religious conflict increased after democracy was restored in 1990, but they were eclipsed by the Maoist rebellion, partly because they were less violent and did not directly threaten the state.
