Human psyche and terrorism

  DR Sampooran Singh’s article (“Human psyche and terrorism: global plan to end the menace”, September 30)focuses basically on psychological factors contributing to terrorism. The author’s approach to the solution of the problem, however, is too idealistic to be put into practice under the current complex environment marked by increasing politicisation, easy access of sophisticated weapons, the revolution in the communication network and the growth of international narcotic trade spread through the golden triangle on the borders of certain countries. Consequently it is not possible for any country to tackle the menace easily.

These days terrorists are well integrated and move to locations which are generally anonymous and provide immediate help to other terrorist groups without being apprehended. They also believe in maintaining close ties with other organisations whether in long established neighbourhoods or at their working place in religious places or in far-flung networks with their associates. Over the years the strategies and methods of terrorists have become sophisticated and they are successful in acquiring more lethal weapons.

The continuing uncertainties with regard to terrorism have encouraged various countries to launch a psychological warfare against terrorism. A consensus has begun to emerge among the various scholars, politicians and decision-makers the world over on these points: The concept that one man’s terrorist can be another man’s freedom fighter must be done away with; local populace should cooperate with the law-enforcing authorities even at the cost of personal injury; prompt and strict decision should be undertaken by various nations for controlling terrorism. In an incident of terrorist violence, victims must be provided with proper security because an unsuccessful attempt would weaken a terrorist psychologically.

In the recent past an international conference on “threats from terrorism to peace, security and human rights” organised by the Centre for Policy Research, a Delhi-based leading think tank, proved to be another landmark for the eradication of terrorism. The conference had decided that unless we attack the roots of terrorism, only a superficial relief could be seen but terrorism would increase in the totality of its compact. Since at the root of terrorism lies the basic attitude of mankind towards the use of violence against fellow human beings due to the particular sociological, economic and political conditioning process, appropriate political measures are desirable to bring about some kind of a permanent solution. Thus, democratic values among the masses should be inculcated through strengthening healthy democratic institutions and proper education which can root out the basic causes of terrorism.

K. M. VASHISHT
Mansa

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Case for Presidential form

This refers to the course of events regarding the recommendation of the imposition of President’s rule in Bihar. The returning of the Cabinet’s recommendation by the President for reconsideration, and the government’s decision not to press for it may seem to have brought no laurels for the ruling coalition at the Centre. But at the end of the whole episode, in my view, the BJP government has inadvertently (or was it deliberately?) gained in the process.

Now it can very effectively silence its allies like the AIADMK, the BJD, the Trinamool Congress, the Samata Party and the Haryana Lok Dal who have been quite vociferous in demanding the imposition of President’s rule in their respective states.

In the national context too, there has been brought home a point in favour of the Presidential form of government for India. The turn of events this time has reinforced the feeling that an elected government, more so a coalition, is very much liable to pulls and pressures from various quarters. As a consequence, it may be forced to take certain decisions that cannot be termed good in the spirit of the Constitution. Had the President been non-vigilant and decided to play second fiddle to the Central Government, India would have seen another democratically elected state government being sacrificed at the altar of petty political ends.

The crux of the matter is that it is the President who can stand as a bedrock in the turbulent waters of coalition politics. Thus, there is a strong case for India to effect necessary constitutional amendment and switch over to the Presidential form of government without any more delay.

(Dr) SUDHIR AGGARWAL
Patiala

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Crime most foul

Apropos of “Crime most foul” (The Tribune, Oct 3), I want to express my deep concern about the reported gang-rape of nuns. The question is as to why such incidents are taking place only now. In fact, nuns have lost the respect once they commanded. It is mainly due to their arrogant and proud attitude towards people who are not financially strong.

As the people have the craze for getting their wards admitted to convent schools, these nuns have developed a sense of megalomania. It is only the rich who can afford to meet the exorbitant expenses for their wards getting education in these institutions.

Crimes like rape and loot are common in our society and depend on the circumstances. As for the nuns, they should remain reserved and treat everybody alike.

NELSON CHRISTOPHER
Ludhiana

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Find a good guide

The article “Globalisation and Westernisation: Gandhiji was against both” (Oct 2) by Mr M.S.N. Menon stresses that “it was expected that independent India would go back to the values of our civilisation but India opted for the western civilisation.” What should one do to have the right path?

If you can find a good guide, you are fortunate, as Plato and Antisthenes found Socrates, and Pierre Laffitte found Auguste Comte. The Persian mystics follow a teacher (“pir”), and the Hindus are taught to obey a “guru” (instructor). The Catholics exact the vow of absolute obedience from all novices and monks.

Attach yourself to the one who is most virtuous in his daily life. He should be noted for simplicity, gentleness, temperance, patience, and active benevolence. A simple test will suffice. Observe if there is one among them who does not belittle or slander the other rival teacher. If you find such a humble and generous soul, keep in close touch with him, and you will soon grow in all the virtues. But don’t be permanently slavish and uncritical, as the disciples are taught to be in certain cases.

Aristotle was Plato’s reverent pupil, but not his unthinking gramophone. Remember Aristotle’s great saying: “Plato and Truth are both dear to us; but it is a sacred duty to prefer Truth.”

AVTAR NARAIN CHOPRA
Kurukshetra

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Akalis & third front

In the news-item captioned “New third front emerging: (September 28) it has been stated that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) may not jump into a new bandwagon (of the emerging third front) immediately because of the ruling alliance in Punjab where it needs the BJP to stay in power.

The statement is quite surprising. The fact is that the SAD has a two-thirds majority of its own in the assembly and, therefore, can easily remain in power even if it breaks its alliance with the BJP.

SURENDRA MIGLANI
Kaithal