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A Dangerous Mix

A Dangerous Mix

Author: Ashwani Kr. Chrungoo
Publication: The Organiser
Date: October 14, 2001

The world, it seems, has got engaged in responding to the terror of terrorist onslaught. The world opinion led by USA is by and large convinced that it is now or never. The calls of "war', "do or die", "fight to finish", and "get ready those Who are in the uniforms" constitute the resolve to hold the bull by the horns. The whole focus at this point of time is either on Afghanistan or on Osama bin Laden. Pakistan has also come in the picture more so because it is one of the friends of Taliban and Osama and USA would like it to play a crucial role to serve American interest in this region. But it is only one side of the whole scenario. We cannot ignore that the religious fundamentalism has been the main contributory factor to the growth of terrorism in the world. The combat strategy against terrorism cannot skip its- focus on the fundamentals of the growth of global terrorism. If the strategy turns out to be a country-centric or a person specific, the whole exercise will end in futility. The world opinion cannot afford to address the issue in a piecemeal manner. Terrorism coupled with the theocratic dictation is the biggest challenge that we face today. The people who take refuge under the religious doctrines and principles to wage 'holy wars' are not to be blamed fully. They get their inspiration from the established religious doctrines. The whole society owing allegiance to those dictums of religion believe that it is its fundamental duty to provide shelter and support to those who take up arms in their hands to engage themselves in the holy wars. In fact, the whole combat strategy needs to take complete picture into consideration.

The logistic support provided to the terrorism by the clergy, religious institutions, Islamic states and the believers is a matter of real concern. Unless the focus is not on all these dimensions, there is no chance of greater respite, though short-term gains may flow. The fight against terrorism is not now limited to a particular region or a particular country though it has already taken its toll by inflicting ethnocide on communities and peoples. The network of terrorism, its control operatives and its damaging access has penetrated almost all regions throughout the globe. Complacency due to the reason such as resentment in a particular section of society here or there is the main obstacle that need to be taken care of by the frontline planners against terrorism.

India has been 'on the frontline of terrorist onslaught for the last two decades, but the terrorism that has gripped our northern frontiers and particularly Kashmir has its deep roots in religious and theocratic objectives. Kashmiri Pandits have borne a major brunt of terrorist onslaught. Their experiences in Kashmir, ethnic cleansing and exodus, their genocide and exile are all various dimensions of terrorism. Pakistan has played a key role in arming the terrorist regime in Kashmir. It organized logistic support including militia and finances on global level for the terrorists in Kashmir. Today, the whole world has stood up against terrorism and Pakistan has been caught between the devil and the deep sea. It's soft corner for Taliban and Osama, its jehad against India and its tacit support to the blood-bath in Kashmir do not fit in its new approach to the issue of combat strategy against global terrorism.

While it is satisfying to note that the world has awakened to the monster's alarm. However, we need to acknowledge that the monster has its roots in religious fundamentalism. We cannot afford to ignore this vital issue. The unifying bond and the guiding factor for all terrorists connected to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kashmir triangle is their cry for holy war-jehad. The establishment of Islamic order followed by establishment of Islamic state, genocide of minorities, ethnic cleansing and cultural genocide are set goals of this jehad. The jehadis find it their sacred duty to finish kafirs and cleanse their areas of influence and operation from infidels. Not content with the physical extermination of the minorities, it is ensured that their symbols am also destroyed, vandalized and annihilated. The destruction of cultural symbols and religious shrine of minorities in Kashmir or destruction of Buddha statues and other relics in Afghanistan are some of the examples of a perfect jehad.

The war against global terrorism cannot turn a blind eye towards the role of religious fundamentalism in the global terrorism. In fact, the religious fundamentalism paves a breeding ground for terrorism. In a conflict of interests, the whole scenario ultimately boils down to a civilisational conflict. It provides us with the picture of the democratic and civilized world on the one side and the mix-up - of religious fundamentalism and terrorism on the other side. It is the most poisonous and dangerous mix and the greatest challenge to the world harmony and peace. The onslaught on the terrorist regime with a unifocal objective to finish one or the other terrorist centers or a leader may not be able to serve the cause in its entirety. We need to have a bifocal -vision while tackling the biggest menace of our time. All efforts should be aimed to eradicate both the evil and the effects of the evil.

The harbourers and supporters of terrorism am more dangerous than the actual terrorists in the context that they continue to produce die-hard terrorists with rigid, rabid and -fascist indoctrination based on religious dictums. We need to take care that these breeding grounds and sanctuaries are finished. The Islamic societies throughout the world need to distance their societies from the age-old, rotten and medieval concepts of the religious beliefs and doctrines. We are yet to see any positive response from Islamic societies in this regard. Their silence or support provides a take-off ground for hundreds and thousands of Osamas to fill in the gap wherever necessary. It is in this particular context that international combat formulation against terrorism has to prepare and plan itself. The religious fundamentalism is the bigger enemy than its offshoot the global terrorism. If our fight is shaped in this background we shall safely lay our hands on all those areas that have susceptibility to fall a prey to the fundamentalist goals. The journey that starts from World Trade Center and Pentagon will otherwise end without reaching its real destination. It is indeed now or never.
 


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