India's Approach to Countering Terrorism: Are There Less conventional Approaches Worth Considering?, with focus on insights by Anita Anand.
Is there an alternative to eliminating terrorism through conventional means? The devastating attack at the Pahalgam tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir in April, resulting in the loss of 26 lives, spurred a firm response from the Indian government.
In the wake of this tragedy, Operation Sindoor, a tri-service military operation, was conducted, aiming to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and neutralize the operational capabilities of groups responsible for cross-border terrorism. But is repression the only answer?
Following a ceasefire declaration on May 10, India embarked on a global diplomatic outreach, sending all-party delegations to 33 countries to explain its stance and expose Pakistan's alleged role in supporting terrorist activities. Yet, frustrations remain as terrorism persists in India.
To comprehend the essence of terrorism, we can refer to the United Nations General Assembly's definition: "Deliberate acts aimed at sowing fear among the public, a group, or specific individuals for political gain, and are unjustifiable under any circumstance."
The Global Terrorism Index (GTI), an annual report by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), offers valuable insights. The GTI covers 163 countries and measures the impact of terrorism since 2000. India's GTI score for 2023 improved to 6.32 from 7.18 a year earlier, indicating a decrease in terrorism's influence.
However, the Indian government's response often leans heavily on military action and repression. Internally, long-standing issues such as poverty, discrimination, and discontent in regions like the Northeast and Naxalbari, West Bengal, have fostered insurgent movements, met with violence and counter-violence.
Insurgency attempts in India have led to the so-called repression paradigm, focusing on the suppression of terrorism through the use of force. Meanwhile, state terrorism, characterized by widespread violence and human rights abuses, is rarely acknowledged or addressed.
Progressives argue that promoting social justice, non-violence, and conflict resolution can serve as effective strategies for countering terrorism. Psychological and cultural approaches, such as countering extremist narratives with peaceful alternatives, can also play a crucial role.
The Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Across the globe, people experience common issues: social injustice, discrimination, fear, and fanaticism. However, a focus on our own righteousness prevents us from understanding others' values and recognizing their suffering and fear."
To truly combat terrorism, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and engage in dialogue to address the root problems. India could benefit from considering homegrown solutions, rather than relying solely on military action and international diplomacy. Community engagement, education, and economic development can all play significant roles in preventing the radicalization that fuels terrorism.
The path to peace may not be easy, but alternatives to repression must be explored if we are to ensure a safer, more secure future for all. As Thich Nhat Hanh said, "Only by listening can we come to understand."
In the pursuit of understanding terrorism and finding alternative solutions, it is crucial to recognize that social justice, non-violence, and conflict resolution could serve as effective strategies. This could help prevent radicalization, a primary cause of terrorism within India. Moreover, dialogue and addressing root causes should be prioritized over relying solely on military action and international diplomacy.
