Unremitting senseless violence
Assassinations, terror attacks leading to huge loss of life and property, may, at the end of the day may not be possible to be eliminated, after all. Yes, security apparatus, technologically even the best, at best can only help to check the menace only marginally. We are aware of the 9/11 WTC attack, in the U.S., despite CIA intelligence tentacles spread all over the world. Thus it is clear that the best of security can be breached if the attacker is a motivated, rightly or wrongly, and an inspired individual or a group. We in India are privy to the details of the assassination of both Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi. We couldn’t save them with all our intelligence inputs. Even the killing of Rajeev Gandhi was by an inspired cadre of LTTE who penetrated the security ring around Rajeev. Thus, whatever care an establishment or the administration takes, an attacker can always make a successful attempt at least some time, if not all the time, to break-in and achieve his objective. So how do we tackle the menace of this socio/political infarction, needs to be debated in all its seriousness. U.S. went to Iraq, ostensibly to eradicate WMD, knowing fully well that there wasn’t any. They also had the objective of annihilating the despot Saddam Hussain. But could they have eliminated Saddam without military intervention? Their military misadventure certainly increased the possibility of a democratic political arrangement, and that is the positive side of the intervention. But it also increased the alienation of the Muslim world. Besides, the fact remains, in its eagerness to maintain its global Numero Uno position, U.S. actively and deliberately encouraged, supported and took part in promoting Jehadi culture, in a small section of the Muslim community, against the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. Thus, U.S. can be accused of terrorism in the first place.
But at this defining moment of history in the life of globalised community, where can this accusation and counter accusation lead us to? It is a question that needs larger debate in the media all over the world. And this debate has to be in right earnest. But what should be the debate on? Is military intervention is the only way to tackle it? Should there be other socio/political initiatives? What are those initiatives? There are a whole lot of questions demanding attention.
Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence had famously observed long ago, “an eye for an eye shall make the whole world blind”. These measure to counter terror, not only may not be the solution, but, it can also be counter productive. Only China can indulge in extreme violence, a form of state terrorism, to put down the dissent, but Chinese are painfully aware that despite its ruthlessness it couldn’t wipe out socio/political unrest. In fact it is growing, albeit slowly.
Then you have the problem of naxalites in India. Despite its history of decades, it is only in recent years, that it has become very lethal, with modern arms of combat, automatic rifles, AK 47 and land mines to name some of them. Indian state, both at federal level and at state level, tried hard to curb it and if possible snuff it out. But recent incidents of some horrendous attack has only shown that naxal menace has grown in strength and fire power. Now it is openly challenging the state.
Of course, whether the Jehadi terrorism, or the naxal violence may never be able to succeed against the state. But it can hugely affect and derail the socio-economic development. The resources spent for security of life and property in all parts of the world, so also the diversion of resources for military, police and other internal security agencies, maintained to counter these forces of disruption is very huge. While armed resolution of the issues may not be possible, army and other agencies may have to be maintained at least in the short run. Simultaneously there has got to be other approaches developed and extended, to reach out that section of the divide who indulge in this inhuman and barbaric violence of killing people and destroying public property.
First there has got to be concerted attempt both by the government and the Muslim civil society with the active participation of the media to encourage liberals, flexible individuals and theologians to come to-gether. Then create a forum for debate to isolate these inimical elements by highlighting the futility of their violence and how it is affecting negatively the Muslim community itself, besides how a completely avoidable human suffering was forced upon society, consisting of people of all faiths including Muslims. There has got to be concerted media campaigns without mixing politics and without mixing commercial interest. If a sincere and honest attempt is made, it is eminently possible to have a breakthrough and then build on it. The CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) without political agendas, supported by media and governmental support can and do go a long way in attracting people away from anti-social activity into the socio-economic mainstream. That and that alone can be the ultimate tool of victory. The conclave in turkey of liberal Islamic scholars to distance themselves and their appeals to fellow Muslims to distance themselves from groups who advocate war on so-called Kaafirs or infidels is a welcome development in this direction. Hope this leads to a forceful movement for the overall good of world in general and Muslim in particular.
Similar is the case with Naxals, while the violence from Naxals has got to be stopped with all the might of the society and state, there has got to be simultaneous socio-economic moves by the government to address the issues raised by the stake holders, be it tribals, farmers or others. Development money should reach where it is intended without any pilferage. Corrupt officials should be publicly exposed and punished. Development of health care facility nearest to these stake holders, with atleast basic communication networks can go a long way in bridging the divide. Then construction of school for their children also in the vicinity shall help the matter greatly. So also state police and other security agencies should take extreme care that their action or inaction does not lead to more loss of life and property. Issue of naxals in India is not as complicated as Jehadi or other terrorist groups. It is far more easy than the fight against religious extremism, it will be Indians dealing with Indians, and therefore a victory against naxalism need not be a long drawn out affair.
But at this defining moment of history in the life of globalised community, where can this accusation and counter accusation lead us to? It is a question that needs larger debate in the media all over the world. And this debate has to be in right earnest. But what should be the debate on? Is military intervention is the only way to tackle it? Should there be other socio/political initiatives? What are those initiatives? There are a whole lot of questions demanding attention.
Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence had famously observed long ago, “an eye for an eye shall make the whole world blind”. These measure to counter terror, not only may not be the solution, but, it can also be counter productive. Only China can indulge in extreme violence, a form of state terrorism, to put down the dissent, but Chinese are painfully aware that despite its ruthlessness it couldn’t wipe out socio/political unrest. In fact it is growing, albeit slowly.
Then you have the problem of naxalites in India. Despite its history of decades, it is only in recent years, that it has become very lethal, with modern arms of combat, automatic rifles, AK 47 and land mines to name some of them. Indian state, both at federal level and at state level, tried hard to curb it and if possible snuff it out. But recent incidents of some horrendous attack has only shown that naxal menace has grown in strength and fire power. Now it is openly challenging the state.
Of course, whether the Jehadi terrorism, or the naxal violence may never be able to succeed against the state. But it can hugely affect and derail the socio-economic development. The resources spent for security of life and property in all parts of the world, so also the diversion of resources for military, police and other internal security agencies, maintained to counter these forces of disruption is very huge. While armed resolution of the issues may not be possible, army and other agencies may have to be maintained at least in the short run. Simultaneously there has got to be other approaches developed and extended, to reach out that section of the divide who indulge in this inhuman and barbaric violence of killing people and destroying public property.
First there has got to be concerted attempt both by the government and the Muslim civil society with the active participation of the media to encourage liberals, flexible individuals and theologians to come to-gether. Then create a forum for debate to isolate these inimical elements by highlighting the futility of their violence and how it is affecting negatively the Muslim community itself, besides how a completely avoidable human suffering was forced upon society, consisting of people of all faiths including Muslims. There has got to be concerted media campaigns without mixing politics and without mixing commercial interest. If a sincere and honest attempt is made, it is eminently possible to have a breakthrough and then build on it. The CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) without political agendas, supported by media and governmental support can and do go a long way in attracting people away from anti-social activity into the socio-economic mainstream. That and that alone can be the ultimate tool of victory. The conclave in turkey of liberal Islamic scholars to distance themselves and their appeals to fellow Muslims to distance themselves from groups who advocate war on so-called Kaafirs or infidels is a welcome development in this direction. Hope this leads to a forceful movement for the overall good of world in general and Muslim in particular.
Similar is the case with Naxals, while the violence from Naxals has got to be stopped with all the might of the society and state, there has got to be simultaneous socio-economic moves by the government to address the issues raised by the stake holders, be it tribals, farmers or others. Development money should reach where it is intended without any pilferage. Corrupt officials should be publicly exposed and punished. Development of health care facility nearest to these stake holders, with atleast basic communication networks can go a long way in bridging the divide. Then construction of school for their children also in the vicinity shall help the matter greatly. So also state police and other security agencies should take extreme care that their action or inaction does not lead to more loss of life and property. Issue of naxals in India is not as complicated as Jehadi or other terrorist groups. It is far more easy than the fight against religious extremism, it will be Indians dealing with Indians, and therefore a victory against naxalism need not be a long drawn out affair.
Comments