There are early stages in the development of a problem when through mechanisms such as early warning, timely analysis and appropriate response; problems can be prevented from escalating into conflicts accompanied by violence. That is why it is important to develop an understanding of the genesis of conflicts and to formulate long-term strategies that not only address immediate demands but also include attention to underlying issues such as alleviation of poverty, social justice and empowerment, and corruption free development at the grass-root level. The State cannot allow itself the indulgence of treating conflicts as mere breakdown of law and order and adopt fire-fighting techniques to address such breakdowns. When the fault lines lie along identities of tribe, caste, region and religion, the State needs to create political conditions and institutions for mediating the conflicts of these diverse groups and integrating them so that the groups can function collectively and harmoniously. There is need to recognize that such conflicts are the touchstones for deep-seated grievances over the unequal sharing of benefits from the process of growth and development. It is fortunate, however, that such conflicts between groups and regions can be addressed. The surest way is to restore confidence through a process of multi-stakeholder dialogue. The approach ought to start from the simple principle that conflicts can be resolved peacefully and on an enduring basis only through trust and persistent and inclusive dialogue. The need is to build multistakeholder platforms or similar participatory processes that bring stakeholders together. There is need for inclusive frameworks both institutional and administrative.