Genesis Of Terrorism

??? ??????? ??? ,?? ?????? ?? , ?? ????? ????? !!

?? ??? ???? ???? ??? ?? ,?? ??? ?? ???? ????? !!

???? ?? ??? ??? ?? ????? ,?? ?? ?? ????? !!

?? ???? ??? ???? ??? ,???? ??????????? !!

Whenever a terrorist acts take place, then our mind gets hunch with some pictures behind the act like Pakistan, Taliban, Muslims etc., we assume terrorism as an international concept and basic reasons behind them are Muslims, but no muse over the reasons, circumstances behind the indulgence of those terrorists in that particular act. Today people should understand the strict meaning and the key reasons behind the evolution of terrorism. It is very much important for us to understand the demarcation between “International terrorism” and “Domestic terrorism”. This research article tries to put forward some basic reasons behind the evolution of terrorism majorly in the context of India.

Introduction

As India’s former Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh said “Terrorism has no religion, terrorists have no religion and they are friends of no religion[1].” Then real questions come that “what exactly terrorism is”, “What is its philosophy”, “what are the reasons for its evolution and existence” etc. Such questions push a rational mind to ponder over the actual existence & the subject matter of terrorism. Since over a decade, terrorism has evolved so extensively that almost every existing nation is affected by it. In the recent years, especially after the 9/11 Twin tower and 11/26 Mumbai attacks, and terrorist infiltration in Kashmir, abundance of disclosure has taken place about terrorism and counter terrorism. Many countries, international bodies working relentlessly to safeguard humanity and their national assets to fight against critical problems of terrorism. As we all know that terrorism is not the product of isolation but it has evolved from certain specific social and contextual circumstances leading to grievance among people. The real problem arises at this junction where it is not clear that what actually Can be contained as terrorism. As one mans terrorist is another mans hero. It is this jargon, which is needed to be decluttered which is rather a difficult task but not an impossible. Here this research inquires into the aspect of pseudo terrorism. Where terrorism is used as a tool for hidden perspective to beguile socially stricken communities. This research specifically deals with the evolution of terrorism in the Valley of Jammu and Kashmir and it also highlights the role of triangular politics i.e. local state politics, Indian politics and Pakistan’s politics, which has engendered the plebiscite and triggered terrorism in India.

Defining Terrorism

“Terrorism” comes from the French word terrorisme. The term was initially introduced during the Reign of Terror from the French government. The French word terrorisme is derived from the Latin verb terreo, which means, “I frighten.” Terrorism can be defined as the use of violence and threats to achieve some type of goal. This goal is often intimidation[2]. Terrorism is usually understood as the use or threat of violence to further a political cause.[3] Terrorism is a complex issue, yet attempts to explain it are often simplistic, revolving around certain generations and abstractions. It is one of the most disputed concepts in social science and defining it could be considered as one of the most controversial issue in the legal and political arena.[4] As for international organizations, the UN General assembly (1999) considers terrorism as criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group o f persons or particular persons for political purposes are in circumstance, unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or other nature that may be invoked to justify them.

Scholars have attempted to define terrorism. For instance, Jenkins (2001) defines terrorism as the use or threatened use of force designed to bring about political change[5]. To Whittaker, it is a premeditated threat or use of violence by substantial groups or clandestine individuals intended to intimidate or coerce governments and to inculcate fear among the public at large[6]. And the Black’s law dictionary defines terrorism as “The use or threat of violence to intimidate or cause panic, especially as a means of affecting political conduct[7]. So, therefore, the ultimate subject matter of every definition of terrorism is directly hitting the mankind. The sole sufferers are the innocent people. The real reason behind this notion could be easily traced by a glimpse of the history of Kashmir. The emergence of terrorism in India had triggered since partition, when both the nations desired to have the valley of J&K in their basket and it has not come to a halt. Total on record Fatalities in Terrorist Violence 1988 – 2016[8] in the state of J&K are 44033, which is clear evidence of human rights violence in the region.

The issue of terrorism in the arena of Indian politics is restricted to political rallies, speeches, debates, interviews, and headlines etc. Article 370 is just a mare a set wrangling provision that has never moved forward from in a productive way to eradicate the issues arising out of it. The state of Jammu & Kashmir has been the prime subject matter of a territorial dispute since 1947, when long British colonial era came to halt covering India, Pakistan, China and other Asian countries. After partition, India claims the entire region as its sovereign territory, though it controls only about half of it. A third of the land is controlled by Pakistan, and China controls the remainder. The real subject of quarrel between India and Pakistan after partition has touched off a number of continuous military showdowns, which literally affected the relations between the duos. Since the late 1980s, the disputed region has been witnessing huge infiltration of terrorists and been home to countless militant groups desiring & fighting for independence of Jammu & Kashmir. Experts opine these groups to have extensive support networks in Pakistan, and some accuse Pakistan of using these insurgent groups to wage a proxy war in the region. Over the last decade, this conflict has been linked to some two-thirds of all fatalities from terrorist attacks in India.[9] Terrorism is not only cornered to the state of J&K but it has it grip in Andhra Pradesh and parts of North eastern states. Andhra Pradesh state along the Bay of Bengal coast has endured a number of attacks linked to a group known as Naxalites[10]. While militant groups like the United Liberation Front of Assam have targeted politicians and infrastructure in an attempt to force out government influence in the north east region of India[11]. Terrorists groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Muhammad, meaning "Army of Mohammed, Harakat ul-Mujahadeen (HuM), The Communist Party of India (Maoist), Harakat ul-Jihad-I-Islami (HUJI), Jamiat ul-Mujahadeen, The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) which are highly active in India.

Factors Affecting terrorism

Technically there are three factors, which directly affects terrorism, and the one which this research paper will discuss is “Pseudo Terrorism: These are broadly be identified in the following manner[12]:

First, state sponsorship of terrorism is an assistance by a government to a terrorist group to help it use violence, bolster its political activities or sustain the organization, like Pakistan has assisted terrorists organizations, both actively and tacitly throughout the different stages of terrorists actively in Kashmir.

Second, the domestic politics of both the target and sponsor states may also be an important factor in the trajectories of terrorism (Crenshaw 1995). It is also necessary to consider the ways in which target states may unintentionally facilitate the internationalization of terrorism. Counter insurgency policies that are too coercive or too moderate may provoke terrorism to globalize their activities, recruitment, funding and operations. Foreign policies, government attitudes and domestic events may contribute to international sponsorship of terrorist groups operating within or against the target state. Therefore, it is also necessary to consider the domestic politics of Pakistan (outside of its sponsorship) and India may have influenced the internationalization of violence in the valley of Kashmir.

Third, international events and trends may also be important to trigger terrorism. In the case of Kashmir’s insurgency, it is possible that the collapse of regime abroad or proliferation of extremist Islamist militant group in reaction to the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 played a crucial role in the transformation of terrorism in Kashmir.

Pseudo Terrorism

The term pseudo is defined in International Webster’s dictionary[13] as “something, which is false, closely resembling, counterfeit or illusionary. In amalgamation of duo i.e. pseudo and terrorism bestows a new concept in terrorism, which could be defined as “terrorism by reason”. This concept can be elaborated more extensively by connecting it with Indian government’s history of the political mishandling of Kashmir and rise of Hindu Nationalism, particularly the demolition of Babri Masjid, Oppression and Suppression of Muslims by government and society (in India), and slow development, unemployment etc. (in the Pakistan & POK) which can be considered as a strong reason behind the swelling of terrorism in POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) and the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

The concept of Pseudo terrorism can be emerged from following sources:

1. Political and Social Injustice : Depriving people from their fundamental rights, provocation, boycotting from society, ill treatment, policy failure of government, being unheard by the government etc. are the major reasons, which influence the minds of the people and turn them terrorist. Majorly these terrorists are the byproduct of restless society where we all people reside. Crushing people for raising voice against the political regime or tyranny and social injustice and get astray from the path of humanity and morality, which further put them in a position to commit crime. People who are victims of societal torture and political injustice are brain washed and by terrorist groups by various means like Internet, whatsapp, etc. Factors like absence of land reforms, rural unemployment, exploitation of landless labourers by land owners, etc. These grievances and perceptions of gross social injustice have fuel rise to ideological terrorist groups such as the various Marxist/Maoist groups operating under different names[14]
2. Unwillingly Indulgence: It is quite coherent that no person wishes to become terrorist, it’s the circumstances and atrocities which compel them to walk on the path of terrorism. It is true that many of the terrorists don’t join this field with their own wish. In the modern era, the impact of terrorism i.e. ability to terrorize is not restricted to only few orthodox mediums. In the age of television, Internet, satellite communications and global news coverage, the terrorist’s acts are broadcast instantly in to homes, offices of millions of people across the globe. These terrorists groups understand the power of such mediums and they manipulate their use for their advantages. In many aspects, the 21st century is the Era Of Globalized Terrorism as US President Mr. Obama said, “the high quality videos, the online magazines, the use of social media, terrorist Twitter accounts – it’s all designed to target today’s young people online[15]”. So dealing with cyber world to curb terrorism is quite difficult task for every nation. People are provoked through videos, messages on Facebook, twitter, whatsapp etc. which further lead to mass detruction, riots etc.
3. Reaction to Oppression: This is one of the most common cause which compel people to turn violent and choose a blind path of terrorism. Pictures innocent kids and women holding guns on social media could stun and give a reason to ponder that what exactly people want to do. These people are the victimized by social injustice and continuously unheard by their government. Keeping people unheard, oppressed and suppressed provoke them to get violent. Keeping people under burden could lead to criminalize their mind and which result to some horrible consequences. People retaliate so wildly against oppression due to continuous ill treatment to them.
4. Religious Conflicts: India is a hypocritical nation where politics flows through various streams and religion is one of the stronger notions where no one is ready to listen even a single word. Similarly in the state of Jammu and Kashmir the majority of Muslims belonging to multiple terrorism organizations, which aim to blaze conflicting opportunities. JKLF (Jammu & Kashmir liberation front) desire for an independent state from India, Pakistan and China while other terrorists groups like Hizbul Mujahiddin and Separatists want J&K to be merged with Pakistan, as they believe this struggle as their fight for religion and it most controlled by Pakistan government. This issue of religious conflict is not restricted to valley and widely used by various political groups through out the nation for fetching votes and support of the people to run their chariot of politics. Few of its examples like Muzaffar Nagar Riots, Godhara Kand, Babri Masjid Issue etc. Such religious conflicts blaze the hetaerism mostly in youth and the opportunists’ use such opportunity very strategically which consequently leads to religious violence and mass destruction. Such atrocities hit the sentiments and push people in the garb of terrorism and consequently they get unit and form such groups, which aim to take revenge in the name of Jihad or Azaadi etc.
5. Slow Development : As rightly said, change is the only constant similarly development is the key to nourish mankind. Corruption is the enemy of development, and of good governance. Development in the state of J&K, northeastern states etc. are at its nadir. People have not access to proper roads, water, sanitation, and basic requirement to run their lives. Thousand of people are still living in slums , tribes are yet to get proper facilities by the government. In India, where path to parliament originates from the votes of rural people (more than 60% population i.e. 83.3 crores people resides in rural areas[16]) and these people are being befooled by the politicians from decades in the name development which is still a far fetched dream. In the stste of J&K where more than 23 thousands sq. kilometers of area is utilized, no big industries are ready to do business in the valley due to which unemployment in the state is rolling to its zenith.  Continuous fake promises, handicapped development put people in garb of deep distress and force them to raise their voice in entirely wrong way.
6. Poverty and Lack of Education : Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development[17] states by Kofi Annan Ex. Secretary-General of the United Nations in one the UN conference. Poverty, poor education system, are one of the most common reasons why people become terrorists. Technically, terrorism and poverty are interdependent[18]. Countries, which are heavily suffering from illiteracy and poverty, are failing to understand the terrorism. India states like J&K where 13.3 million population is unemployed and this very reason is pushing them to opt for wring means to show their agitation and anger. Opportunists’ hunts such people and influence them against the government and brain wash them to join their terrorist groups.

Failure To Counter Terrorism

Consolidation as secular, federal and democratic state is still a far fetch dream for India and our strength i.e diversity multi religious society is highly exploited by fundamentalist forces and politics. Absence of education, employment, presence of high rate of poverty compel the frustrated people to become criminals for the sake of some money which has further induces militancy in the state. Many of the national and international experts say that India’s response to terrorism is quite episodic. "India lacks a coherent strategic response to terrorism; there is no doctrine (BusinessWeek), and most of our responses are kneejerk,"[19] a nation being the second largest Muslim population in the world feel vulnerable, discriminated and disadvantaged against by the government and security forces. Ineffective Anti-Terrorism legislation/legal framework and misplaced legal or judicial activisms, failure of government’s foreign, domestic and security policies are the prime reason for spreading to terrorism in the country.

Countering Terrorism

Long Term Strategy

It is very evident from that war against the terrorism cannot be achieved in a day. To curb this issue, a long and planned strategy should be adopted which include all front, political, economic, social and military etc. and this strategy should be crafted in a manner with an objective to safeguard the values like promotion of secularism, equality, justice, sovereignty, territorial integrity, socio-economic growth and development etc. we should learn from the experiences of other nations like British dealings with the IRA or even the Egyptian policy on eliminating the Jehadis[20].

Political/ Diplomatic Strategy

Act of terrorism can’t be cured through physical fights; rather it must be fought by dualistic approach by chopping a piece from both the ends. All the nations must come forward and join hands to combat against the issue as it had done in the case of Osama Bin Laden and terrorist groups like Al Quaida. Bringing an effective anti-terrorism act and a strict amendment in article 370 with unanimous support from both ruling from government and opposition should be done as soon as possible to curb this issue.

Promoting Education & Employment

Promoting education and indulging people in employment could be the best possible measure to overcome the issue of terrorism. As rightly said, empty mind is devil's workshop, countries like Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan etc. do not have proper system to facilitate education and employment which forces people to become terrorists. State like J&K, Northeastern states are highly prone to militancy, as they do not have proper access to education, jobs, and shelter. Opening of big universities and industries in the said regions could help in controlling terrorism and hate crime.

Social Environment

It is true that a society is the mirror of its people. We should promote secular & moderate politics by religious institutions, media and intelligentsia. Replacing outdated education system, cultural practices and communication system etc. cutting every possible means, which promote Pakistani’s propaganda in our territories, and should curtail every information and acts that may spread anti- national elements.

Conclusion

Wrapping up this episode, the only contention which has been advocated is the true meaning of Pseudo terrorism and its variance from the true meaning if terrorism. From all above contentions, evidences and terminology, this research tries to explain a new dimension in terrorism, which exclusively deals with the genesis of terrorism which most of generally ignore. It is very much essential to attack on roots of terrorism instead of pushing hard in vacuum. Promotion of social welfare, education, employment, justice and healthy governance generate faith in the hearts of the people and this faith subsequently pays a vital role in the development of the nation in longer run. India being world’s biggest developing economy, with higher youth ration and home to highest number of Muslim in the world is a very vulnerable stage, therefore, it is very important for us and our government to handle this issue of terrorism with due care and cautions so that no man could compel to opt a path of terrorism. It is a high time to develop and research the concept of pseudo terrorism so that we can learn the understand this concept in a deeper sense to curb this alarming issue effectively.

References

[1] Inspirational Quotes; Dr. Manmohan Singh, https://www.dhirubhai.net/redir/phishing-page?url=www%2einspirationalstories%2ecom%2Fquotes%2Fmanmohan-singh-terrorism-has-no-religion-terrorists-have-no%2e

[2] Terrorism In India-Cause and Effects; (sanathanau.blogspot.in/2013/06/terrorism-cause-effects.html).

[3] ‘Terrorism by’ Mohamed Nagdy and Max Roser , Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: https://ourworldindata.org/terrorism/ [Online Resource]

[4] Sezgin, 2007, p.17

[5] Terrorism and Beyond: a 21st Century Perspective; Brian Michael Jenkins, 2001 (https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/105761001750434196)

[6] Whittaker Definition of Terrorism, 2002, p.15

[7] Black’s law dictionary, by Bryan A. Garner, 9th ediction, 2009 , p.1611.

[8] Fatalities in Terrorist Violence 1988 2016;

(www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/jandk/data_sheets/annual_casualties.htm)

[9] Counterterrorism in India by Eben Kaplan, and Jayshree Bajoria; www.cfr.org/india/counterterrorism-india/p11170 Updated: November 27, 2008

[10] Counterterrorism in India by Eben Kaplan, and Jayshree Bajoria;

[11] Counterterrorism in India by Eben Kaplan, and Jayshree Bajoria;

[12] Terrorism- Transformation of Kashmir’s Insurgency: Azaadi To Global Salafi; by Jennifer Lynn Oetken, p. 120

[13] The new international Webster’s comprehensive dictionary, 2004 Edition, p. 1017

[14] Terrorism In India-Cause and Effects; (sanathanau.blogspot.in/2013/06/terrorism-cause-effects.html).

[15] ISIS and Cyber Terrorism; London school of cyber security, Published on Jul 20, 2016 (https://www.slideshare.net/ConciseCourses/isis-and-cyber-terrorism)

[16] World Bank Staff estimates based on United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects; (data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.RUR.TOTL.ZS)

[17]Kofi Annan; Brainy quotes www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/development.htm

[18] Tactical Response By Lydialyle Gibson | The University Of Chicago Magazine—Sept–Oct/13

[19] by retired Major General Sheru Thapliyal, Center for Land Warfare Studies.

[20] International Terrorism India's Long Term Strategy and Concerns Lt Gen Chandra Shekhar (Retd) PVSM AVSM; www.satp.org/satporgtp/publication/idr/vol_17(2)/chandra_shekhar.htm