CIA and Terrorism

Gemini was asked about CIA's involvement in world terrorism. It answewd as follows. The question of the CIA’s involvement in "terrorism" is a complex intersection of Cold War history, clandestine operations, and unintended consequences. While the CIA’s official mandate is to combat terrorism, various critics, historians, and international bodies have pointed to specific operations that they argue meet the definition of state-sponsored terrorism or have directly led to the rise of terrorist groups. To understand the scope of this involvement, it is helpful to look at three distinct categories: 1. "Blowback": Unintended Consequences The term "blowback" was actually coined by the CIA to describe the negative, unforeseen consequences of a covert operation. * The Mujahideen (Afghanistan): During the 1980s, the CIA funneled billions through Operation Cyclone to support Afghan rebels fighting the Soviet Union. While the CIA maintains it only supported indigenous Afghan fighters, many of the radicalized "Afghan-Arabs" who joined the fight eventually formed the core of Al-Qaeda. * The Contras (Nicaragua): In the 1980s, the CIA backed the Contras against the Sandinista government. The Contras were frequently accused of using "terrorist tactics" against civilians, including the destruction of health clinics and schools. 2. State-Sponsored Regime Change Historians often cite CIA-led coups as examples of political violence that destabilized regions, sometimes creating power vacuums filled by extremist groups. | Operation | Target | Outcome | |---|---|---| | Operation Ajax (1953) | Iran (PM Mossadegh) | Reinstalled the Shah; fueled the anti-Western sentiment that led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. | | PBSUCCESS (1954) | Guatemala (Pres. Árbenz) | Led to decades of civil war and state-sponsored violence against indigenous populations. | | Bay of Pigs (1961) | Cuba (Fidel Castro) | Failed invasion using CIA-trained exiles; led to increased tensions and the Cuban Missile Crisis. | 3. Controversial Counter-Terrorism Tactics Following the 9/11 attacks, the CIA’s methods came under intense international scrutiny for violating human rights laws. * Enhanced Interrogation: The 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture detailed methods like waterboarding and sleep deprivation used at "black sites" (secret prisons). Critics argue these methods were not only illegal but also served as a powerful recruitment tool for groups like ISIS. * Targeted Killings (Drones): The use of armed drones to eliminate high-value targets in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia has been criticized for "collateral damage" (civilian deaths), which international legal experts argue can constitute war crimes or acts of terror in the eyes of local populations. The Official Stance The CIA and the U.S. government reject the label of "terrorism," arguing that: * Legal Authority: Their actions are authorized by the President and overseen by Congressional committees. * Mission: Their primary role is Counter-Terrorism—collecting intelligence to prevent attacks like 9/11 and dismantling global networks. * Prohibitions: Executive Order 12333 explicitly prohibits the CIA from engaging in assassinations (though "targeted killings" of combatants are legally distinguished from assassination by the U.S. government). > Important Note: In the world of intelligence, one person's "freedom fighter" is often another's "terrorist." The CIA’s involvement usually falls into the gray area of Covert Action, which is designed to achieve foreign policy goals while maintaining "plausible deniability." > Would you like me to look into a specific region, such as Latin America or the Middle East, to see how these operations affected those areas over the long term?

Gemini on Ranking People

 I asked Gemini “How can AI compare the intelligence of a group of people and rank them?” Here is the answer.

Comparing and ranking human intelligence with AI is a complex and highly controversial topic. While AI can analyze data to create rankings based on specific, predefined criteria, it cannot truly measure or understand the multifaceted nature of human intelligence. Here's a breakdown of how it could be approached, along with the significant ethical issues involved.

How an AI System Could Rank People

An AI system would need to be trained on a massive dataset to identify patterns and rank individuals based on a specific, narrow definition of "intelligence." It would not be able to measure something as broad as general intelligence but could evaluate performance on specific tasks or against a set of predetermined metrics.

 * Data Collection: The system would need a wealth of data about each person. This could include information from resumes (education, work experience), performance on tests (like IQ tests or skill assessments), and even behavioral data from things like online activity or job interviews. For example, AI can analyze video interviews for specific keywords, tone of voice, and even facial expressions.

 * Feature Engineering: An AI model would need "features" to analyze. These are the specific metrics it would use to make its comparisons. Examples include:

   * Academic Achievement: Grades, degrees from specific universities, or test scores.

   * Skill Proficiency: Performance on coding challenges, design portfolios, or other practical tests.

   * Problem-Solving Speed: The time it takes to complete a puzzle or solve a logical reasoning problem.

 * Algorithm and Ranking: Once the data is in place, the AI would use a machine learning algorithm to weigh these features and create a ranking. A simple algorithm might give more weight to a higher GPA, while a more complex one could look for correlations between certain skills and successful performance in a specific role.

For instance, in a corporate hiring scenario, an AI could be trained on data from successful employees to identify the most common traits and skills. It would then rank new job applicants based on how closely their resumes, test results, and interview performance align with those of the "model" employees.

🚩 Major Ethical Implications

Using AI to rank people based on intelligence is fraught with ethical dangers. The biggest concerns revolve around bias, transparency, and the reduction of human worth.

 * Algorithmic Bias: AI systems are only as good as the data they're trained on. If the historical data is biased, the AI will learn and amplify those biases. For example, an AI trained on hiring data from a male-dominated industry might learn to favor male applicants, unintentionally discriminating against women. This can perpetuate societal inequalities.

 * The "Black Box" Problem: Many AI models, especially deep learning networks, are "black boxes." This means their decision-making processes are not easily understandable by humans. If an AI ranks someone lower, it can be nearly impossible to explain why, which raises significant issues of fairness and accountability.

 * Oversimplification of Intelligence: Human intelligence is incredibly complex and includes creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and social skills. An AI can only measure what it's been explicitly programmed to look for, which would likely be a very narrow, data-driven definition of intelligence. It would miss the nuances that are often most important in human interactions and problem-solving.

 * Loss of Human Dignity and Autonomy: Reducing a person's worth to a single, AI-generated number can have a dehumanizing effect. It removes the human element of evaluation and judgment, potentially leading to a society where people are sorted and categorized by an opaque, automated system.

The I in AI

 

The advent of AI demonstrates the zenith of the evolutionary process. Just like high precision machines are built using comparatively lesser precision machines, more and more powerful computers and compact data storage devices are built using equipment and software of the previous generation.

Thanks to the human quality of not being jealous to one’s own creations, we have produced machine that can lift tremendous weights, travel at very fast speed and acquire data, calculate, and write it out much faster than us. We are proud of them.

The usefulness of artificial intelligence is undeniable. The logical process of searching data related to a topic with discernment and presenting it in a well-organized format and grammatically correct language is a great help to the process of learning.

The icing on the cake is that AI machines have the capacity of self-learning and reprogramming in the light of the data they acquire on instruction of others. By developing computer coding ability, they are to an extent replacing their own masters and creators.

The other and equally serious concern is whether or not some sort of bias can be built into an AI program and whether or not it can identify and nullify it in due course.

Not many people know that much of the islamophobia experienced in the Christian world during the past quarter century was the result of faulty Arabic, Persian and Urdu to English translation software developed by Microsoft through subcontract to Indians who embedded anti-Islamic bias into the programs.

It is very likely that a number of Israeli agents proficient in coding may have infiltrated into the Silicon Valley in order to ensure the AI programs being developed are biased in favour of Israeli genocidal theocracy.

There are also apprehensions that as the artificially intelligent computers learn all the tricks of human trade, and start running most of the state, industrial, commercial, educational, health and military systems, they may unilaterally decide to do away with the less efficient human beings. It would be a behaviour very similar to human conduct.

I see a silver lining in the clouds of AI. Human feelings such as love, ambition, hatred, greed, lust, and conditions such as pleasure, pain, and weakness have a significant role in human decisions which machines do not have, and hence are supposed to take purely impartial decisions.

Although apparently, machines do not have any such feelings, we do not know weather analytical trends resembling feelings can be developed by self-learning computers. What we do know is that an over-heated chip can send the wrong signals. It is, therefore, necessary to constantly monitor the response of every artificially intelligent machine to critical inputs and have emergency protocols that can safely and systematically turn them off for human intervention.

Casualties in Gaza and Israel.

Gemini search on casualties in Gaza and Israel since 7 Oct 2023.

 According to various sources, the casualty figures for the conflict in Gaza and Israel since October 7, 2023, are as follows:

In Gaza:

 * Total deaths: The number of reported deaths varies, with figures ranging from over 62,000 to more than 76,000. This includes those confirmed killed and those missing and presumed dead.

 * Wounded: More than 156,000 people have been injured.

 * Children and women: Nearly half of the casualties are reported to be women and children. A study published in The Lancet estimated that a significant portion of the deaths from traumatic injuries were women, children, and the elderly.

 * Indirect deaths: It is noted that the total death toll could be significantly higher when considering "indirect" deaths from factors such as disease, malnutrition, and lack of medical care.

In Israel:

 * Total deaths: The death toll from the October 7 attacks has been revised by Israeli officials to 1,139 people. This figure includes both civilians and security forces.

 * Wounded: At least 8,730 people have been injured.

Additional Information:

 * West Bank: There have also been casualties in the occupied West Bank, with reports of nearly 1,000 Palestinians killed and over 7,300 injured.

 * Journalists and Aid Workers: The conflict has also resulted in a significant number of casualties among journalists and humanitarian aid workers.

ICC, ICJ and Israel

 Topic search by GEMINI.

South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has also been involved in a separate investigation related to the conflict in Palestine. It is important to distinguish between these two international legal bodies.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

 * The Case: On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

 * Allegations: South Africa's complaint alleges that Israel's military actions in Gaza demonstrate a genocidal intent against the Palestinian people, citing a pattern of conduct that includes killing, causing serious bodily and mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction.

 * ICJ's Role: The ICJ hears disputes between states and its judgments are legally binding. South Africa invoked its standing as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, which creates an erga omnes obligation, meaning all state parties have a common interest in preventing genocide.

 * Provisional Measures: South Africa requested the court to issue provisional measures, which are emergency orders to prevent further harm while the court considers the full merits of the case. On January 26, 2024, the ICJ issued a ruling on these measures.

 * ICJ's Judgment (Provisional Measures): The ICJ did not order a complete ceasefire. However, it did order Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention. This included ordering Israel to:

   * Prevent and punish any incitement to genocide.

   * Take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.

   * Preserve evidence related to the allegations of genocide.

   * Submit a report to the court on all measures taken to give effect to this order.

The ICJ's ruling found it "plausible" that Israel's actions could amount to genocide, but this is not a final determination on the merits of the case, which is ongoing and is expected to take years.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

 * The Investigation: The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has had an ongoing investigation into the "Situation in the State of Palestine" since March 2021.

 * Jurisdiction: The ICC's jurisdiction was accepted by the State of Palestine, which became a state party to the Rome Statute in 2015. This allows the court to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, since June 13, 2014, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator.

 * Arrest Warrants: In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for senior Hamas leaders and then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The warrants for the Israeli officials were on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including "starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and "willfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health."

 * Relationship to the ICJ Case: It is important to note that the ICC and the ICJ are separate and distinct institutions. The ICJ case is a dispute between states (South Africa v. Israel) regarding the interpretation and application of a treaty. The ICC investigation is a criminal proceeding against individuals for alleged international crimes.

The Irony of the Domes

Copyright waived.

The Dome of Rock in Jerusalem has endured for nearly a millennium and half. Along with Al Aksa mosque, it symbolises the greatness of the Islamic heritage. The Muslims believed that with all the miraculous narratives associated with it, it would protect them from disasters.

But domes only protect one from vagaries of nature, not from inruders. The dome didn't stop the terrorists pretending as successors of Bani Israel from illegitimately occupying their lands and robbing them of whatever they had.

Then came the so-called Israelis backed by the entire European and American states' power that wanted to get rid of them from their own lands.

The  Israelis built an air defence system with the help of the Americans, which they thought would protect them from any and all aerial attacks. It worked well against the nonsophisticated missiles launched by Hammas and Hizbullah, promoting the illusion of invincibility among the Israelis. 

Then came the wanton Israeli attack on Iran and the Iranian response with their sophisticated missiles developed over decades in spite of economic sanctions.

The Iranian missiles successfully breeched the Iron Dome and wreaked havoc on Telaviv, Haifa, and other sites. The illusion of invincibility and being The Chosen people was shattered.

The Israelis had worked for centuries to develop the illusion of being the descendants of Abraham and claiming the blessings awarded to them by God.

To do this, they forged the text of the Torah and inserted the name of Israel in place of Jacob in various location in the Book of Genesis Chapters 32 to 50.   

They also destroyed the corresponding pages in the authentic versions of codices Siniticus and Aleppo.

However, this claim is obviously refuted by both the Torah and the Bible.

The book of Exodus Chapter 19 verse number 3 clearly shows that Israel and the house of Jacob are two different entities.

“{19:3} And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;”

The Gospel of Luke verse 1.33 states:

“1.33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever ; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

So it seems Jesus may have  belonged not to the Israeli clan but to the House of Jacob constituted by the Palestinians. David and Solomon also may have been Palestinian descendants of the House of Jacob.

Oddly enough, the present Israelis seem to be a people with stolen ancestory. 

   

Gandhi’s Dasis

(Generated by Gemini)

The term “Dasi” in Indian culture primarily refers to a female servant or slave.

Historically, it has been used to denote women of low caste or those in servitude. The

Sanskrit root “dāsa” means demon, enemy, infidel, or slave, and “dāsī” is its feminine

form.

While the term can also have other meanings in specific contexts (like a female in

charge of ten villages in Dharmashastra or even a river), its most common and historical

usage points to a woman in a subservient role.

Regarding Mahatma Gandhi, the question “Gandhi had a few?” seems to refer to

whether he had “dasis” in the sense of female servants or companions. This touches

upon a complex and controversial aspect of Gandhi’s life, particularly his “experiments

with brahmacharya” (celibacy) in his later years.

Gandhi, in his pursuit of spiritual purity and self-control, engaged in practices that

involved sharing his bed with young women, including his grandnieces Manu and Abha,

and other female associates like Sushila Nayar and Lilavati Asar. These women often

provided him with personal services like massages and bathing.

It’s important to understand that Gandhi described these as “experiments” to test his

own brahmacharya, asserting that he remained celibate and had no sexual intentions.

However, these practices were highly controversial even among his contemporaries and followers, including his family members, who criticized them.

While these women were not “dasis” in the traditional sense of being bought or forced

into slavery, their role in providing intimate personal service and their close proximity to

Gandhi, often in a position of complete devotion and obedience to his wishes, has led

to discussions about the power dynamics involved and the potential for exploitation,

despite Gandhi’s stated intentions. Many of these women willingly participated, seeing

it as a form of service to a revered leader.

So, while Gandhi did not have “dasis” in the classic sense of chattel slavery, he did have

a number of female companions and attendants who provided intimate personal care and were part of his controversial “brahmacharya experiments.

The Indian Ritual of Sati

AI generated essay

Sati (also known as “suttee”) was a historical and highly controversial custom practiced by some Hindu communities, primarily in India. It involved a widow immolating herself, either voluntarily or under coercion, on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband or soon after his death.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of sati:

 * Meaning: The word “sati” itself in Sanskrit means “good woman” or “chaste wife.” Over time, the term came to refer to the practice itself, as well as the woman who performed it.

 * Motivation and Beliefs:

   * Dutiful Sacrifice: Sati was often viewed as the ultimate act of wifely devotion and loyalty, ensuring an afterlife with the husband and cleansing sins for both the couple and their families.

   * Social Pressure: Widows in traditional Hindu society often faced immense social stigma, economic hardship, and a lack of social standing. For some, sati might have seemed like an escape from a difficult existence. There are documented cases of women being pressured, drugged, or even forced onto the pyre.

   * Religious Interpretation: While some scholars argue that certain religious texts (like Puranas and Mahabharata) mention sati, others contend that the practice was not universally mandated in Hindu scriptures and that ascetic widowhood was often preferred.

 * Variations: While the most common image is of a widow burning on the pyre, historical accounts suggest variations, such as being buried alive with the husband or, in some regions, being stabbed before burning.

 * Historical Prevalence: Sati appeared in historical records during the Gupta Empire (c. 320 to 550 CE) and became more common after the 13^th century, particularly among certain Brahmin and royal castes, and in regions like Rajasthan.

 * Abolition:

   * British Intervention: The British colonial government, under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, outlawed sati in 1829 with the Bengal Sati Regulation, largely due to the tireless efforts of Indian social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

   * Continued Efforts: Despite the legal ban, isolated instances of sati continued for some time. The Indian Parliament later enacted the Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act in 1987 to further strengthen the law and prevent any glorification of the practice.

Sati remains a stark example of a complex social practice deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors, and its abolition marked a significant turning point in social reform in India.

 

 

Hindutva and Arya Samaj in India

 

The following material was obtained through Google AI Geminin Assistant.

The relationship between Hindutva and Arya Samaj is complex, with both movements contributing to the shaping of Hindu identity and nationalism in India, albeit with distinct approaches.

Origins and Core Tenets:

Arya Samaj:

 * Origins: Founded in 1875 by Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay (now Mumbai), the Arya Samaj emerged as a Hindu reform movement during a period of significant social and cultural challenges posed by British colonialism and Christian missionary activities.

 * Core Tenets: Dayananda Saraswati advocated a return to the “pure” and original teachings of the Vedas, rejecting later accretions, rituals, idol worship, the caste system based on birth, child marriage, and other practices he deemed corrupt. He emphasized monotheism, the infallibility of the Vedas, karma, and samsara. The movement also championed women’s education, widow remarriage, and actively engaged in social reform and humanitarian services. The Arya Samaj was notable for being one of the first Hindu organizations to engage in proselytization (Shuddhi movement) to convert non-Hindus, particularly those who had converted to Islam or Christianity, back to Hinduism.

Hindutva:

 * Origins: The term “Hindutva” was coined and popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 booklet “Essentials of Hindutva.” It emerged in the early 20^th century, particularly in the context of growing Hindu-Muslim tensions and the Indian independence movement.

 * Core Tenets: Hindutva is primarily a political ideology that defines the cultural identity of India in terms of Hinduism and seeks to establish India as an overtly Hindu nation-state. Savarkar, an atheist, initially defined Hindutva as a “Hinduness” shaped by India’s indigenous history, geography, politics, and culture, distinct from Hinduism as a religion. It emphasizes a shared ancestry and culture rooted in the land of India. Over time, it drew influence from European ethnonationalism, with an emphasis on race, religion, culture, and language. Key organizations propagating Hindutva include the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Relationship and Overlap:

While distinct, there’s an undeniable relationship:

 * Reform vs. Nationalism: Arya Samaj was fundamentally a socio-religious reform movement aiming to purify Hinduism, while Hindutva is a political ideology focused on Hindu nationalism and cultural assertion.

 * Shared Emphasis on Vedic Heritage: Both movements placed a significant emphasis on the Vedas as a foundational text for Hindu identity, though the Arya Samaj’s interpretation was often more literal and reformist, rejecting many post-Vedic traditions embraced by mainstream Hinduism.

 * Contribution to Hindu Identity: The Arya Samaj, through its reformist efforts and its Shuddhi movement, contributed to a re-awakening of Hindu identity and a sense of pride, which arguably laid some groundwork for later Hindu nationalist movements like Hindutva. Some scholars argue that the Arya Samaj “laid ground for the later Hindu nationalism represented by the Hindu Mahasabha, V.D. Savarkar, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”

 * Points of Divergence: Arya Samaj rejects idol worship, the concept of avatars, and hereditary caste, focusing instead on Vedic rituals. Mainstream Hinduism, often associated with Hindutva, generally embraces idol worship, avatars, and a more traditional understanding of caste, though it has also undergone reform efforts.

Resurgence:

Arya Samaj:

·       The resurgence of Arya Samaj in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries was a direct response to British colonialism, Western influence, and perceived internal decay within Hindu society. It sought to modernize Hinduism, promote rational thinking, and foster a sense of pride in Indian traditions. Its emphasis on education, social equality, and women’s empowerment resonated with a section of the population.

Hindutva:

 * The resurgence of Hindutva, particularly in the late 20^th and 21^st centuries, is linked to several factors:

   * Post-Partition Tensions: The aftermath of India’s partition in 1947 fueled religious tensions and the desire for a strong Hindu identity.

   * Political Mobilization: The rise of political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopting Hindutva as their core ideology has been a major driver.

   * Communal Conflicts: Incidents of communal violence have often exacerbated religious polarization and strengthened Hindutva narratives.

   * Cultural Assertiveness: A desire to assert a distinct Hindu cultural identity in a globalized world.

   * Erosion of Secularism: Criticisms point to the BJP’s policies and rhetoric since 2014 as contributing to a shift towards Hindu nationalism, with perceived erosion of India’s secular foundations and increased targeting of religious minorities.

Future:

Arya Samaj:

·       While not as politically prominent as Hindutva, the Arya Samaj continues to be relevant as a socio-religious reform movement. Its principles of education, gender equality, and social justice continue to resonate. It aims to bridge tradition with modern life and provide solutions to contemporary challenges based on Vedic values. Its focus remains on spreading Vedic knowledge and working for social well-being.

Hindutva:

 * The future of Hindutva appears to be significant in contemporary Indian politics and society. The ideology has gained considerable traction, particularly with the continued electoral success of the BJP.

 * Continued Influence: Hindutva’s presence and power are widely acknowledged to be here to stay in India, influencing political, cultural, and social spheres.

 * Challenges to Secularism: Critics express concern that Hindutva’s agenda poses a threat to India’s secular foundations, potentially leading to increased majoritarianism, religious polarization, and a shift towards an overtly Hindu nationalist state where minorities might face challenges to their equal status.

 * Social and Political Impact: The trajectory of Hindutva will likely continue to shape India’s domestic policies, inter-community relations, and its international standing.

In essence, while the Arya Samaj was a reformist movement that contributed to a renewed sense of Hindu identity, Hindutva represents a more explicitly political and often exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism that has become a dominant force in modern India.

Adivasi --- Plight of Natives in India

 

(This information was provided by Gemini, the Google AI assistant.)

The Adivasis are various ethnic groups considered to be the original inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent. The term "Adivasi" itself, meaning "of earliest times" or "original inhabitants," was coined in the 1930s as a political movement to foster a sense of identity among India's diverse indigenous peoples. Officially, they are known as Scheduled Tribes in the Indian Constitution, a legal and constitutional term that varies across states and regions.

There are over 700 distinct Adivasi communities in India, speaking more than 100 languages, and exhibiting a wide range of ethnicities and cultures. Their population is over 104 million, constituting about 8.6% of India's total population according to the 2011 census. They primarily reside in the northeastern states, as well as the hills and forests of central and southern India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Major groups include the Bhil, Munda, and Santhal.

Regarding independence movements, it's more accurate to frame Adivasi aspirations as seeking self-determination, autonomy, and the protection of their land, identity, culture, and resources, rather than outright independence as separate nation-states in the traditional sense. While some groups in the Northeast have historically pursued secessionist movements, the broader Adivasi struggle across India centers on:

 * Self-rule and autonomy: Adivasi communities have long traditions of self-governance, and they are demanding greater control over their affairs and resources, often in line with constitutional provisions like the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, which aim to provide some measure of autonomy. The Pathalgadi movement in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh is a prominent recent example of Adivasi communities asserting their customary rights and challenging state authority through the erection of stone slabs proclaiming their self-governance.

 * Land and resource rights: A significant aspect of their struggle involves reclaiming traditional ownership rights over their lands, territories, and natural resources, which have been historically threatened by development projects, industrialization, and population growth.

 * Cultural and religious identity: Adivasis are also demanding recognition and protection of their distinct languages, religions (like the Sarna religion), and cultural practices.

While there isn't a single, unified movement for "independence" across all Adivasi groups, numerous regional and community-specific movements are actively demanding greater self-determination and the protection of their rights within the Indian federal structure. The Indian state has often responded to these movements with repression, sometimes portraying them as "anti-national" or linking them to Naxalite (Maoist) insurgencies.