Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

 Page 1


Sc s Scheduled castes
Sc SP Scheduled caste Sub Plan
SEz s Special Economic z ones
SHGs Self Help Groups
SMR Suicide Mortality Rate
SPOs Special Police Officers
STs Scheduled T ribes
Syl Sutlej yamuna link
TNV T ripura National Volunteers
TRIFED  T ribal cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India 
limited
uK u nited Kingdom
u l FA u nited liberation Front of Assam
uPS u sual Principal Status
uSA  u nited States of America
uT u nion Territory
VAT Value Added Tax
WWF World Wildlife Fund
xiv xv
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 The Terms of Reference of the Second Administrative Reforms commission pertaining 
to Public Order cover two specific issues, namely:
(i) Suggest a framework to strengthen the administrative machinery to maintain 
public order conducive to social harmony and economic development.
(ii) capacity building for conflict resolution.
For reasons indicated in its 5th Report on Public Order, the commission had decided to 
deal with the above two issues in two separate reports.  It has already submitted its Report 
on Public Order.  This Report on capacity building for conflict Resolution is a sequel to 
the Report on Public Order.
1.2 In the last few decades, conflicts have arisen in our country from multiple causes such as 
caste and tribal issues, religion, regional disparities, poverty, land and water, just to name a 
few.  There has been considerable research on why conflicts occur and how to resolve them.  
Such research, however, provides only a general treatment of the subject and the root remains 
mite ridden. conscious of this, the commission has undertaken a comprehensive study 
of the problem of conflict resolution including organising workshops for consultations on 
specific conflicts in India and through discussions with a large number of individuals from 
different walks of life, who have had experience in dealing with conflicts. 
1.3 Among other things, this Report distils the discussions at a workshop on conflict 
resolution organised at the behest of the commission to deliberate on the nature of public 
expectations and the kinds of reforms that would need to be undertaken for the conflict 
resolution mechanisms to be more responsive. The wealth of information provided by the 
participants in the workshop has given valuable inputs for the preparation of this Report. 
The workshop was coordinated by the centre for Policy Research (cPR), New Delhi and 
Kannada u niversity, Hampi and was held at the cPR on 4th and 5th February, 2006. 
Page 2


Sc s Scheduled castes
Sc SP Scheduled caste Sub Plan
SEz s Special Economic z ones
SHGs Self Help Groups
SMR Suicide Mortality Rate
SPOs Special Police Officers
STs Scheduled T ribes
Syl Sutlej yamuna link
TNV T ripura National Volunteers
TRIFED  T ribal cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India 
limited
uK u nited Kingdom
u l FA u nited liberation Front of Assam
uPS u sual Principal Status
uSA  u nited States of America
uT u nion Territory
VAT Value Added Tax
WWF World Wildlife Fund
xiv xv
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 The Terms of Reference of the Second Administrative Reforms commission pertaining 
to Public Order cover two specific issues, namely:
(i) Suggest a framework to strengthen the administrative machinery to maintain 
public order conducive to social harmony and economic development.
(ii) capacity building for conflict resolution.
For reasons indicated in its 5th Report on Public Order, the commission had decided to 
deal with the above two issues in two separate reports.  It has already submitted its Report 
on Public Order.  This Report on capacity building for conflict Resolution is a sequel to 
the Report on Public Order.
1.2 In the last few decades, conflicts have arisen in our country from multiple causes such as 
caste and tribal issues, religion, regional disparities, poverty, land and water, just to name a 
few.  There has been considerable research on why conflicts occur and how to resolve them.  
Such research, however, provides only a general treatment of the subject and the root remains 
mite ridden. conscious of this, the commission has undertaken a comprehensive study 
of the problem of conflict resolution including organising workshops for consultations on 
specific conflicts in India and through discussions with a large number of individuals from 
different walks of life, who have had experience in dealing with conflicts. 
1.3 Among other things, this Report distils the discussions at a workshop on conflict 
resolution organised at the behest of the commission to deliberate on the nature of public 
expectations and the kinds of reforms that would need to be undertaken for the conflict 
resolution mechanisms to be more responsive. The wealth of information provided by the 
participants in the workshop has given valuable inputs for the preparation of this Report. 
The workshop was coordinated by the centre for Policy Research (cPR), New Delhi and 
Kannada u niversity, Hampi and was held at the cPR on 4th and 5th February, 2006. 
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
Page 3


Sc s Scheduled castes
Sc SP Scheduled caste Sub Plan
SEz s Special Economic z ones
SHGs Self Help Groups
SMR Suicide Mortality Rate
SPOs Special Police Officers
STs Scheduled T ribes
Syl Sutlej yamuna link
TNV T ripura National Volunteers
TRIFED  T ribal cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India 
limited
uK u nited Kingdom
u l FA u nited liberation Front of Assam
uPS u sual Principal Status
uSA  u nited States of America
uT u nion Territory
VAT Value Added Tax
WWF World Wildlife Fund
xiv xv
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 The Terms of Reference of the Second Administrative Reforms commission pertaining 
to Public Order cover two specific issues, namely:
(i) Suggest a framework to strengthen the administrative machinery to maintain 
public order conducive to social harmony and economic development.
(ii) capacity building for conflict resolution.
For reasons indicated in its 5th Report on Public Order, the commission had decided to 
deal with the above two issues in two separate reports.  It has already submitted its Report 
on Public Order.  This Report on capacity building for conflict Resolution is a sequel to 
the Report on Public Order.
1.2 In the last few decades, conflicts have arisen in our country from multiple causes such as 
caste and tribal issues, religion, regional disparities, poverty, land and water, just to name a 
few.  There has been considerable research on why conflicts occur and how to resolve them.  
Such research, however, provides only a general treatment of the subject and the root remains 
mite ridden. conscious of this, the commission has undertaken a comprehensive study 
of the problem of conflict resolution including organising workshops for consultations on 
specific conflicts in India and through discussions with a large number of individuals from 
different walks of life, who have had experience in dealing with conflicts. 
1.3 Among other things, this Report distils the discussions at a workshop on conflict 
resolution organised at the behest of the commission to deliberate on the nature of public 
expectations and the kinds of reforms that would need to be undertaken for the conflict 
resolution mechanisms to be more responsive. The wealth of information provided by the 
participants in the workshop has given valuable inputs for the preparation of this Report. 
The workshop was coordinated by the centre for Policy Research (cPR), New Delhi and 
Kannada u niversity, Hampi and was held at the cPR on 4th and 5th February, 2006. 
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
Page 4


Sc s Scheduled castes
Sc SP Scheduled caste Sub Plan
SEz s Special Economic z ones
SHGs Self Help Groups
SMR Suicide Mortality Rate
SPOs Special Police Officers
STs Scheduled T ribes
Syl Sutlej yamuna link
TNV T ripura National Volunteers
TRIFED  T ribal cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India 
limited
uK u nited Kingdom
u l FA u nited liberation Front of Assam
uPS u sual Principal Status
uSA  u nited States of America
uT u nion Territory
VAT Value Added Tax
WWF World Wildlife Fund
xiv xv
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 The Terms of Reference of the Second Administrative Reforms commission pertaining 
to Public Order cover two specific issues, namely:
(i) Suggest a framework to strengthen the administrative machinery to maintain 
public order conducive to social harmony and economic development.
(ii) capacity building for conflict resolution.
For reasons indicated in its 5th Report on Public Order, the commission had decided to 
deal with the above two issues in two separate reports.  It has already submitted its Report 
on Public Order.  This Report on capacity building for conflict Resolution is a sequel to 
the Report on Public Order.
1.2 In the last few decades, conflicts have arisen in our country from multiple causes such as 
caste and tribal issues, religion, regional disparities, poverty, land and water, just to name a 
few.  There has been considerable research on why conflicts occur and how to resolve them.  
Such research, however, provides only a general treatment of the subject and the root remains 
mite ridden. conscious of this, the commission has undertaken a comprehensive study 
of the problem of conflict resolution including organising workshops for consultations on 
specific conflicts in India and through discussions with a large number of individuals from 
different walks of life, who have had experience in dealing with conflicts. 
1.3 Among other things, this Report distils the discussions at a workshop on conflict 
resolution organised at the behest of the commission to deliberate on the nature of public 
expectations and the kinds of reforms that would need to be undertaken for the conflict 
resolution mechanisms to be more responsive. The wealth of information provided by the 
participants in the workshop has given valuable inputs for the preparation of this Report. 
The workshop was coordinated by the centre for Policy Research (cPR), New Delhi and 
Kannada u niversity, Hampi and was held at the cPR on 4th and 5th February, 2006. 
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
4 5
conflict Resolution – A conceptual Framework capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
2.2 Stages of Conflicts – a Life Cycle Approach
2.2.1 A conflict is not a single-event phenomenon but is a dynamic process having different 
stages. The objectives of the parties involved, their approaches, the intensity levels, the likely 
damage etc all change between the various phases of a conflict’s life cycle. Therefore an 
optimum conflict management strategy differs from stage to stage. This makes it necessary 
to have a thorough understanding of the dynamics of conflict throughout its life cycle for 
application of conflict prevention and management strategies.
7
Harsh Sethi, ‘Multiple c rises in South Asia: Exploring Possibilities’ in Participatory Development, learning from South Asia, Oxford u niversity Press.
to brutalise another and the result is hatred and violence. The intensity of such hatred and 
violence poses a veritable threat to the very fabric of society.
7
2.1.5 We now live in an increasingly violent world, because of the conflicts we generate. 
The twentieth century was, by far, the most violent period that humanity lived through. 
Almost three times as many people were killed in conflicts in the twentieth century than 
in the previous four centuries combined together. 
Table 2.1: Conflicts and Human Lives
Period Conflict-related World population, Conflict-related
 deaths mid-century deaths as share of
 (millions) (millions) world population (%)
Sixteenth century 1.6 493.3 0.32
Seventeenth century 6.1 579.1 1.05
Eighteenth century 7.0 757.4 0.92
Nineteenth century 19.4 1,172.9 1.65
T wentieth century 109.7 2,519.5 4.35
Source: Conflict deaths data, Sivard 1991, 1996; twentieth century population data, UN 2005; other 
population data, Human Development Report Office interpolation based on Sykes 2004 .
2.1.6 In fact, even in India, by the end of the last century, tendencies bordering on 
intolerance have grown and various groups have shown an increasing predilection for 
resorting to violence often at the slightest provocation.
2.1.7 loss of life is only one corollary of conflicts. Others are destruction of food systems, 
disintegration of public services, loss of income, dislocation, insecurity and a surge of 
crimes. What is important to note is that immediate costs imposed by conflicts, though 
enormous, represent only a small fraction of the price that the affected population has to 
pay. In particular, institutional costs of conflict can have debilitating consequences for long 
term growth of society. The physical infrastructure such as roads and buildings destroyed 
or damaged during conflicts can be repaired or rebuilt, though at a heavy cost, but the 
breakdown of institutions, the mutual trust and understanding that is lost and the trauma 
that is heaped on the vulnerable population, make it very likely that the bad blood will 
persist and conflicts and violence will recur. They lock entire populations into unremitting 
cycles of violence and that is why prevention of conflicts or their resolution at early stages 
becomes a compelling challenge.
Page 5


Sc s Scheduled castes
Sc SP Scheduled caste Sub Plan
SEz s Special Economic z ones
SHGs Self Help Groups
SMR Suicide Mortality Rate
SPOs Special Police Officers
STs Scheduled T ribes
Syl Sutlej yamuna link
TNV T ripura National Volunteers
TRIFED  T ribal cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India 
limited
uK u nited Kingdom
u l FA u nited liberation Front of Assam
uPS u sual Principal Status
uSA  u nited States of America
uT u nion Territory
VAT Value Added Tax
WWF World Wildlife Fund
xiv xv
1
INTRODUCTION
1
1.1 The Terms of Reference of the Second Administrative Reforms commission pertaining 
to Public Order cover two specific issues, namely:
(i) Suggest a framework to strengthen the administrative machinery to maintain 
public order conducive to social harmony and economic development.
(ii) capacity building for conflict resolution.
For reasons indicated in its 5th Report on Public Order, the commission had decided to 
deal with the above two issues in two separate reports.  It has already submitted its Report 
on Public Order.  This Report on capacity building for conflict Resolution is a sequel to 
the Report on Public Order.
1.2 In the last few decades, conflicts have arisen in our country from multiple causes such as 
caste and tribal issues, religion, regional disparities, poverty, land and water, just to name a 
few.  There has been considerable research on why conflicts occur and how to resolve them.  
Such research, however, provides only a general treatment of the subject and the root remains 
mite ridden. conscious of this, the commission has undertaken a comprehensive study 
of the problem of conflict resolution including organising workshops for consultations on 
specific conflicts in India and through discussions with a large number of individuals from 
different walks of life, who have had experience in dealing with conflicts. 
1.3 Among other things, this Report distils the discussions at a workshop on conflict 
resolution organised at the behest of the commission to deliberate on the nature of public 
expectations and the kinds of reforms that would need to be undertaken for the conflict 
resolution mechanisms to be more responsive. The wealth of information provided by the 
participants in the workshop has given valuable inputs for the preparation of this Report. 
The workshop was coordinated by the centre for Policy Research (cPR), New Delhi and 
Kannada u niversity, Hampi and was held at the cPR on 4th and 5th February, 2006. 
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
2 3
capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
i
Issues related to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir are dealt with in the Report on Terrorism
1.4 The Report is organised in four parts.The first part, which is this, is a very brief 
introduction. The second part provides a conceptual framework. The third part deals with 
conflicts arising out of issues related to caste, class, religion & region as well as land & 
water related issues. The fourth and the last part deals with the institutional framework 
for conflict resolution.
i
1.5 The commission expresses its gratitude to Shri S.K. Das, consultant and Shri Naved 
Masood for assisting the commission in drafting this Report.
1.6 The c ommission is grateful to Shri K. Asungba Sangtam (former Member of Parliament) 
for preparing a Report on “c onflict Resolution and maintence of Public Order in the North 
East with central focus on Nagaland” which has been utilised in drafting this Report by the 
commission. The commission is also grateful to Shri P .K.H. Tharakan for his invaluable 
inputs.
 
2
CONFLICT RESOLUTION – A CONCEPTUAL 
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Conflict Resolution – Perspectives
2.1.1 conflict has been defined as a situation between two or more parties who see their 
perspectives as incompatible.
1
 conflicts have a negative beneficial connotation, but some 
conflicts are desirable as they can create change. 
2.1.2 John Donne, the 16th century poet, wrote, ‘No man is an island entire of itself’. 
Individuals see themselves as members of a variety of groups which often span a number 
of their interests. For example, an individual’s geographical origin, gender, caste, class, 
language, politics, ethnicity, profession and social commitments make him a member of 
various groups. Each of these collectivities, to all of which the individual belongs, tends to 
give him a particular identity,
2
 but together he has multiple identities.
2.1.3 The search for identity is a powerful psychological driving force which has propelled 
human civilization.
3
 Identity is often evocative. It deals with a myth or an imagined 
community which has all the power and potential necessary for political mobilisation. The 
sense of identity can contribute enormously to the strength and warmth of an individual’s 
relations with others such as his neighbours, members of his community, fellow citizens or 
people who profess the same religion.
4
 The concept of social capital, advocated by Robert 
Putnam, tells us how a shared identity with others in the same social community can make 
the lives of all those in that community so much more harmonious and meaningful. To 
that extent, the sense of belonging to the social community becomes a valuable resource; 
almost like capital.
5
2.1.4 And yet, identity can also kill – and kill with abandon.
6
 A strong and exclusive sense 
of belonging to one group does, in many cases, lead to conflict. Many of the conflicts 
today are sustained through the illusion of a unique and choiceless identity. In such cases, 
the art of manufacturing hatred takes the form of invoking the imagined power of some 
allegedly predominant identity that totally overwhelms all others. With suitable instigation, 
a fostered sense of identity with one group of people is often made into a powerful weapon 
1
conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention: From Misunderstanding to u nderstanding; larry cohen, MSW, Rachel Davis, MSW and Manal 
Aboelata; http://www.preventioninstitute.org/pdf/conflict.pdf
2
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006), Allen lane
3
Kumar Rupesinghe, Governance and conflict Resolution in Multi-ethnic Societies
4
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
5
Robert Putnam, bowling Alone: The collapse and the Revival of American community
6
Amartya Sen, Identity and Violence: The Illusions of Destiny (2006)
4 5
conflict Resolution – A conceptual Framework capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
2.2 Stages of Conflicts – a Life Cycle Approach
2.2.1 A conflict is not a single-event phenomenon but is a dynamic process having different 
stages. The objectives of the parties involved, their approaches, the intensity levels, the likely 
damage etc all change between the various phases of a conflict’s life cycle. Therefore an 
optimum conflict management strategy differs from stage to stage. This makes it necessary 
to have a thorough understanding of the dynamics of conflict throughout its life cycle for 
application of conflict prevention and management strategies.
7
Harsh Sethi, ‘Multiple c rises in South Asia: Exploring Possibilities’ in Participatory Development, learning from South Asia, Oxford u niversity Press.
to brutalise another and the result is hatred and violence. The intensity of such hatred and 
violence poses a veritable threat to the very fabric of society.
7
2.1.5 We now live in an increasingly violent world, because of the conflicts we generate. 
The twentieth century was, by far, the most violent period that humanity lived through. 
Almost three times as many people were killed in conflicts in the twentieth century than 
in the previous four centuries combined together. 
Table 2.1: Conflicts and Human Lives
Period Conflict-related World population, Conflict-related
 deaths mid-century deaths as share of
 (millions) (millions) world population (%)
Sixteenth century 1.6 493.3 0.32
Seventeenth century 6.1 579.1 1.05
Eighteenth century 7.0 757.4 0.92
Nineteenth century 19.4 1,172.9 1.65
T wentieth century 109.7 2,519.5 4.35
Source: Conflict deaths data, Sivard 1991, 1996; twentieth century population data, UN 2005; other 
population data, Human Development Report Office interpolation based on Sykes 2004 .
2.1.6 In fact, even in India, by the end of the last century, tendencies bordering on 
intolerance have grown and various groups have shown an increasing predilection for 
resorting to violence often at the slightest provocation.
2.1.7 loss of life is only one corollary of conflicts. Others are destruction of food systems, 
disintegration of public services, loss of income, dislocation, insecurity and a surge of 
crimes. What is important to note is that immediate costs imposed by conflicts, though 
enormous, represent only a small fraction of the price that the affected population has to 
pay. In particular, institutional costs of conflict can have debilitating consequences for long 
term growth of society. The physical infrastructure such as roads and buildings destroyed 
or damaged during conflicts can be repaired or rebuilt, though at a heavy cost, but the 
breakdown of institutions, the mutual trust and understanding that is lost and the trauma 
that is heaped on the vulnerable population, make it very likely that the bad blood will 
persist and conflicts and violence will recur. They lock entire populations into unremitting 
cycles of violence and that is why prevention of conflicts or their resolution at early stages 
becomes a compelling challenge.
4 5
conflict Resolution – A conceptual Framework capacity b uilding for conflict Resolution
2.2 Stages of Conflicts – a Life Cycle Approach
2.2.1 A conflict is not a single-event phenomenon but is a dynamic process having different 
stages. The objectives of the parties involved, their approaches, the intensity levels, the likely 
damage etc all change between the various phases of a conflict’s life cycle. Therefore an 
optimum conflict management strategy differs from stage to stage. This makes it necessary 
to have a thorough understanding of the dynamics of conflict throughout its life cycle for 
application of conflict prevention and management strategies.
7
Harsh Sethi, ‘Multiple c rises in South Asia: Exploring Possibilities’ in Participatory Development, learning from South Asia, Oxford u niversity Press.
to brutalise another and the result is hatred and violence. The intensity of such hatred and 
violence poses a veritable threat to the very fabric of society.
7
2.1.5 We now live in an increasingly violent world, because of the conflicts we generate. 
The twentieth century was, by far, the most violent period that humanity lived through. 
Almost three times as many people were killed in conflicts in the twentieth century than 
in the previous four centuries combined together. 
Table 2.1: Conflicts and Human Lives
Period Conflict-related World population, Conflict-related
 deaths mid-century deaths as share of
 (millions) (millions) world population (%)
Sixteenth century 1.6 493.3 0.32
Seventeenth century 6.1 579.1 1.05
Eighteenth century 7.0 757.4 0.92
Nineteenth century 19.4 1,172.9 1.65
T wentieth century 109.7 2,519.5 4.35
Source: Conflict deaths data, Sivard 1991, 1996; twentieth century population data, UN 2005; other 
population data, Human Development Report Office interpolation based on Sykes 2004 .
2.1.6 In fact, even in India, by the end of the last century, tendencies bordering on 
intolerance have grown and various groups have shown an increasing predilection for 
resorting to violence often at the slightest provocation.
2.1.7 loss of life is only one corollary of conflicts. Others are destruction of food systems, 
disintegration of public services, loss of income, dislocation, insecurity and a surge of 
crimes. What is important to note is that immediate costs imposed by conflicts, though 
enormous, represent only a small fraction of the price that the affected population has to 
pay. In particular, institutional costs of conflict can have debilitating consequences for long 
term growth of society. The physical infrastructure such as roads and buildings destroyed 
or damaged during conflicts can be repaired or rebuilt, though at a heavy cost, but the 
breakdown of institutions, the mutual trust and understanding that is lost and the trauma 
that is heaped on the vulnerable population, make it very likely that the bad blood will 
persist and conflicts and violence will recur. They lock entire populations into unremitting 
cycles of violence and that is why prevention of conflicts or their resolution at early stages 
becomes a compelling challenge.