The leaders of the movement have declared their intention to move past the traditional guerrilla model of warfare and instead implement a strategy centered on heavy shock troops conducting fewer but massive attacks. – Shlok Vaidya, Pragati Magazine, November 2007.

Latest operation in India is pivotal because it reveals the complex interconnected nature of the multiple threats the country faces.

• Tactical innovation. As discussed at this site in some depth, is the primary contribution of the Naxals. Additionally, large amounts of RDX are regularly stolen from mines in Naxal infested areas. These explosives traveled through the black market to representatives of the terrorists. It seems the lessons learned by the Naxals are in fact being adopted by other insurgencies operating in the country.

• Training. Several of the operatives (total number ranges from 25-50) were highly trained, and, as evidenced by the recorded phone conversation, werer heavily indocrinated. This implies intensive training in any of the focal points for terror training to varying degrees since the 1980′s – Afghanistan, then Kashmir, then Afghanistan, then Iraq, then Pakistan.

• Strategic innovation. International. Direct linkages with Pakistan are designed to apply international pressure and expectations to that country which are unlikely to be met, thus providing more pressure within the country, thus driving up recruitment and funding for these militant organizations.

• Strategic innovation. Domestic. Classic social systempunkt. Planned just before major national elections with the obvious intent being a move to the right, which increases the chances for government overreach, causing further alienation and a higher propensity for sectarian conflict/riots.