Sunday, November 17, 2002		Books

Comprehending terrorism today
Jitendra Mohan

Rise of Terrorism and Secessionism in Eurasia edited by V .D. Chopra, Gyan, New Delhi. Pages 340. Rs 660.

THE very image, meaning and form of terrorism have undergone a fundamental shift after September 11, 2001. Many publications have come up in the wake of the "fallout" of a singular tragedy in New York. The reprisal seems incomplete even after a war in Afghanistan and many international moves to analyse, understand, combat and control terrorism. Based on a national seminar on "Rise of terrorism and secessionism in the region — politico, economic, strategic and social implications," held from April 30 to May 1, 2000, in New Delhi, this edited volume retains its relevance even today.

The subtle futuristic projections made in some of the papers cannot be ignored any further because the terror is even more pronounced in the polities, economic activities and the religious rhetoric in the name of equality, power and salvation.

Terrorism, secessionism and ethnic conflicts, particularly in multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic societies, have assumed a new dimension, both in their sweep and intensity.

The use of religious and ethnic factors by colonialists was very common. Even the big powers used such differences, seemingly, to their advantage. But certainly it is has today become bigger, bitter and uncontrollable, when governments tend to overlook, ignore or at times even join the ‘terror’ culture.

K.R. Singh thinks terrorism, whether national or international, aims, among other things, at eroding not only the state power but also the state system, per se, to attain desired objectives. These objectives are often rationalised on ethnic, religious, ideological and even political grounds or by a combination of these variables.

Rakesh Gupta forwards a systematic analysis of intra-state conflicts in different countries and found regulars as well as mercenaries fighting for territorial, economic, ethnic, religious and political reasons. The foreign linkages and alienation of some kept on increasing such conflicts. The post-World War II globalisation has crumbled and with it the liberal, socialist (Marxist) and national liberation agenda. Economic globalisation has created an even more fractured global society.

Ashwani Kumar, a famous police official, elaborates on a new trend in terrorism: the erasure of qualms about killing and destroying from the minds of assassins due to the use of weapons of mass destruction. The increase in the acts of terror, growth of fundamentalism, expression of idiosyncratic grievance, suicide attacks and availability and transportation of weapons, instead of receding, he feels, are likely to increase.

V. D. Chopra (the editor/author) presents different perceptions of terrorism and secessionism by linking them with globalisation. Kosovo, Chechnya, Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Myanmar, Nepal and many other countries are witnessing the changing roles, investments and political interpretations by the USA and European countries. The dollars poured into Afghanistan via Pakistan get linked with the WTC episode and equations undergo a dramatic change.

A Baha’i viewpoint of terrorism and secessionism in South Asia of A. K. Merchant calls it childish as well as perverted behaviour, contrary to the urge for peace by all. Major General Afsir Karim (retd) perceives terrorism as a kind of war that is waged from secret hideouts by prowling marauders. Infiltration, stealth and surprise are their weapons. Assassination, killing of innocent people, exhausting the security forces, instead of confronting them, are part of their tactics.

Professor Warikoo points out that the success of the Khomeini revolution in Iran and the Taliban in Afghanistan furthered the extremism and militancy in Kashmir in the name of Islam. In his view, only concerted effort of the UN and other nations along with India can ease the situation.

A very detailed and historical analysis by G.M. Shah on militancy in Jammu & Kashmir discusses the role of World War II ex-soldiers, success of Algeria and Vietnam against France and the USA, unification of the four parts of Kashmir, political rigging, foreign militants and the inherent contradictions in Indo-Pak relations. Satya Pal Dang takes up the role of cross-border terrorism in consonance with locals in the rise of terrorism in Punjab. The role of the Congress and Akalis also contributed to the problem, he feels. Though the people of Punjab succeeded in getting peace, certain politicians, smugglers, irresponsible intellectuals (including women) and some misled elements cannot be exonerated for the decade of darkness in Punjab, he says.

Jagdish P. Sharma focuses on the Islamic extremism in some of the countries in Asia where it has mainly become the voice of political opposition. Not all Islamic countries use terrorism or Islamisation as the way to build national security and economy, but the simmering impact cannot be ignored.

Terrorism has today become a major instrument in the hands of unscrupulous fundamentalists and anti-social organisations that coerce and force individuals and governments to toe their lines.