The Challenges of Combating Terrorism in India: A Critical Evaluation of Policies and Strategies (PDF)
Terrorism in India: Causes, Effects and Solutions
Introduction
Terrorism is one of the most serious challenges that India faces today. It is a violent act or threat of violence that aims to create fear, panic, chaos or instability among people or governments for political, religious or ideological purposes. Terrorism can take various forms, such as bombings, shootings, hijackings, kidnappings, cyberattacks or biological weapons.
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India is a diverse and pluralistic country with a population of over 1.3 billion people belonging to different religions, ethnicities, languages and cultures. India is also a vibrant democracy with a federal system of governance and a secular constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all its citizens. However, these very features of India also make it vulnerable to various kinds of terrorist attacks from different sources.
What is terrorism?
Terrorism is a complex phenomenon that has no universally accepted definition. However, according to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 51/210 (1996), terrorism is defined as "criminal acts intended or calculated to provoke a state of terror in the general public, a group of persons or particular persons for political purposes". The UN also states that "such acts are in any circumstance unjustifiable, whatever the considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or any other nature that may be invoked to justify them".
Why is India a target of terrorism?
India has been a victim of terrorism since its independence in 1947. According to the Global Terrorism Index 2020, India ranked eighth among the countries most affected by terrorism in 2019, with 277 incidents and 353 fatalities. Some of the reasons why India is a target of terrorism are:
India's geographical location and proximity to some of the most volatile regions in the world, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
India's unresolved territorial disputes and border conflicts with some of its neighbours, especially Pakistan and China.
India's growing economic and political influence in the region and beyond, which may pose a challenge to some of its rivals or adversaries.
India's secular and democratic values, which may clash with some of the extremist ideologies or agendas of some terrorist groups.
India's diversity and pluralism, which may create grievances or resentments among some sections of society who may feel marginalized or discriminated against.
Causes of terrorism in India
Terrorism in India is characterized by communist, Islamist and separatist groups. Communist terrorist groups are by far the most frequent perpetrators and the main cause of terrorism deaths in India . According to Global Terrorism Index 2020 , deaths from terrorism in India decreased to the second lowest level since 2000. However, India continues to face a number of terror attacks from Islamic groups in Kashmir, Sikh separatists in Punjab, and secessionist groups in Assam . Some of the causes of terrorism in India are:
Religious extremism
Religious extremism is one of the major causes of terrorism in India. It refers to the radicalization of individuals or groups who use violence or coercion to impose their religious beliefs or practices on others. Religious extremism can be motivated by various factors, such as political aspirations, ideological differences, historical grievances, social injustice or personal vendetta. Some of the examples of religious extremism in India are:
The Kashmir conflict, which involves the insurgency and militancy of various Islamist groups who seek either independence or merger with Pakistan. The Kashmir conflict has been ongoing since 1989 and has claimed over 40,000 lives . Some of the prominent Islamist groups operating in Kashmir are Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Al-Badr.
The Punjab insurgency, which involved the armed struggle of some Sikh separatist groups who demanded the creation of a separate state called Khalistan. The Punjab insurgency lasted from 1981 to 1995 and resulted in over 20,000 deaths . Some of the prominent Sikh separatist groups were Babbar Khalsa, Khalistan Commando Force and Khalistan Liberation Force.
The Northeast insurgency, which involves the rebellion and violence of various ethnic and tribal groups who seek autonomy or secession from India. The Northeast insurgency has been ongoing since 1956 and has affected eight states: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. Some of the prominent ethnic and tribal groups involved are United Liberation Front of Assam, National Socialist Council of Nagaland, National Democratic Front of Bodoland and All Tripura Tiger Force.
Separatist movements
Separatist movements are another cause of terrorism in India. They refer to the movements or campaigns that seek to separate a region or a group from a larger entity or a country. Separatist movements can be driven by various factors, such as ethnic identity, cultural affinity, historical legacy, economic disparity or political oppression. Some of the examples of separatist movements in India are:
The Naxalite movement, which is a left-wing extremist movement that aims to overthrow the Indian state and establish a communist society. The Naxalite movement originated in 1967 in West Bengal and has since spread to 20 states across India . Some of the prominent Naxalite groups are Communist Party of India (Maoist), People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and People's War Group.
The Bodoland movement, which is an ethnic movement that demands the creation of a separate state for the Bodo people within India. The Bodoland movement started in 1987 in Assam and has led to several violent clashes between the Bodos and other communities . Some of the prominent Bodoland groups are National Democratic Front of Bodoland, Bodo Liberation Tigers Force and All Bodo Students' Union.
The Gorkhaland movement, which is a regional movement that seeks the formation of a separate state for the Nepali-speaking Gorkha people within India. The Gorkhaland movement began in 1986 in West Bengal and has witnessed several phases of agitation and violence . Some of the prominent Gorkhaland groups are Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Gorkha National Liberation Front and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.
Left-wing extremism
Left-wing extremism is another cause of terrorism in India. It refers to the ideology or practice of using violence or subversion to overthrow or undermine the existing political or economic system. Left-wing extremism can be inspired by various doctrines, such as Marxism-Leninism, Maoism, anarchism or socialism. Some of the examples of left-wing extremism in India are:
The Naxalite movement, which is a left-wing extremist movement that aims to overthrow the Indian state and establish a communist society. The Naxalite movement originated in 1967 in West Bengal and has since spread to 20 states across India . Some of the prominent Naxalite groups are Communist Party of India (Maoist), People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and People's War Group.
External support
External support is another cause of terrorism in India. It refers to the assistance or involvement of foreign actors or entities in facilitating or sponsoring terrorist activities in India. External support can be motivated by various interests, such as strategic rivalry, ideological affinity, religious sympathy or economic gain. Some of the examples of external support for terrorism in India are:
Pakistan's role in supporting and harboring various Islamist terrorist groups that operate in Kashmir and other parts of India. Pakistan has been accused of providing financial, logistical, training and diplomatic support to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Al-Badr. Pakistan has also been blamed for orchestrating some of the major terrorist attacks in India, such as the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
China's role in backing and arming some of the separatist and left-wing extremist groups that operate in Northeast and Central India. China has been alleged of supplying weapons, ammunition, explosives and communication equipment to groups such as United Liberation Front of Assam, National Socialist Council of Nagaland and Communist Party of India (Maoist). China has also been suspected of providing safe havens and training camps to some of these groups in its territory.
Bangladesh's role in sheltering and facilitating some of the Islamist and ethnic terrorist groups that operate in Eastern and Northeastern India. Bangladesh has been accused of allowing its soil to be used as a transit point and a base for groups such as Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami and National Democratic Front of Bodoland. Bangladesh has also been criticized for failing to curb the illegal immigration and cross-border infiltration of militants into India.
Effects of terrorism in India
Terrorism in India has had devastating effects on the country and its people. Terrorism has not only caused loss of lives and property, but also impacted the economy, development, society and security of India. Some of the effects of terrorism in India are:
Loss of lives and property
Terrorism has resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries among civilians, security personnel and terrorists in India. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal , a total of 67,385 people have been killed and 117,920 people have been injured due to terrorism-related violence in India from 1988 to 2020. Terrorism has also caused massive damage to public and private property, infrastructure and natural resources in India. According to a study by the Institute for Economics and Peace , the economic cost of terrorism in India was estimated at $7.9 billion in 2019.
Impact on economy and development
Terrorism has adversely affected the economy and development of India. Terrorism has disrupted trade, tourism, investment, production and consumption activities in India. Terrorism has also increased the expenditure on security, defense, law enforcement and rehabilitation in India. Terrorism has also reduced the human capital, social capital and natural capital of India. According to a study by NITI Aayog , terrorism reduced the annual growth rate of GDP by 2 percentage points on average from 1984 to 2004.
Social and psychological trauma
Terrorism has inflicted social and psychological trauma on the people of India. Terrorism has created fear, panic, anxiety, stress and depression among the people who have witnessed or experienced terrorist attacks or threats. Terrorism has also eroded trust, tolerance, solidarity and cooperation among different communities and groups in India. Terrorism has also fostered hatred, resentment, revenge and radicalization among some sections of society who have suffered or perceived injustice or oppression due to terrorism.
Threat to national security and sovereignty
Terrorism has posed a threat to the national security and sovereignty of India. Terrorism has challenged the authority, legitimacy and stability of the Indian state and its institutions. Terrorism has also undermined the territorial integrity, political unity and social harmony of India. Terrorism has also exposed the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of India's intelligence, security and law enforcement agencies. Terrorism has also increased the risk of escalation and confrontation with other countries or entities that are involved or implicated in terrorism.
Solutions to terrorism in India
Terrorism in India is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackle it effectively. Terrorism in India cannot be eliminated by military or coercive means alone, but also requires political, diplomatic, economic and social measures to address its root causes and consequences. Some of the solutions to terrorism in India are:
Strengthening intelligence and security agencies
One of the solutions to terrorism in India is to strengthen the intelligence and security agencies of the country. This involves enhancing the capacity, capability and coordination of the agencies that are responsible for collecting, analyzing and disseminating information on terrorist activities and threats. This also involves improving the equipment, training and motivation of the agencies that are responsible for preventing, detecting and responding to terrorist attacks and incidents. This also involves ensuring the accountability, transparency and oversight of the agencies that are responsible for respecting and protecting the human rights and civil liberties of the people.
Enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation and diplomacy
Another solution to terrorism in India is to enhance the counter-terrorism cooperation and diplomacy with other countries and entities that are affected by or involved in terrorism. This involves building trust, dialogue and partnership with the countries and entities that share common interests and values in combating terrorism. This also involves resolving disputes, conflicts and grievances with the countries and entities that have differences or disputes with India over terrorism-related issues. This also involves isolating, sanctioning and pressuring the countries and entities that support or sponsor terrorism against India.
Addressing the root causes of terrorism
Another solution to terrorism in India is to address the root causes of terrorism that motivate or justify the use of violence by some individuals or groups. This involves addressing the political, economic, social and cultural factors that create or exacerbate grievances or resentments among some sections of society who feel marginalized, discriminated or oppressed. This also involves promoting inclusive, participatory and responsive governance that ensures representation, empowerment and justice for all sections of society. This also involves fostering development, education and employment opportunities that enhance the well-being, dignity and aspirations of all sections of society.
Promoting peace and harmony among different communities
Another solution to terrorism in India is to promote peace and harmony among different communities and groups that coexist in the country. This involves encouraging dialogue, interaction and cooperation among different religious, ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups that respect and celebrate diversity and pluralism. This also involves discouraging hatred, violence and extremism among different groups that incite or exploit communalism, sectarianism or chauvinism. This also involves supporting civil society, media and education initiatives that foster tolerance, understanding and solidarity among different groups.
Conclusion
and pluralism that define India as a nation and a civilization.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about terrorism in India:
What are the types of terrorism in India?
There are three main types of terrorism in India: communist, Islamist and separatist. Communist terrorism refers to the violence perpetrated by left-wing extremist groups that aim to overthrow the Indian state and establish a communist society. Islamist terrorism refers to the violence perpetrated by radical Islamic groups that seek either independence or merger with Pakistan or the establishment of an Islamic state. Separatist terrorism refers to the violence perpetrated by various ethnic or regional groups that demand autonomy or secession from India.
What are the sources of external support for terrorism in India?
The sources of external support for terrorism in India are mainly Pakistan, China and Bangladesh. Pakistan has been accused of supporting and harboring various Islamist terrorist groups that operate in Kashmir and other parts of India. China has been alleged of backing and arming some of the separatist and left-wing extremist groups that operate in Northeast and Central India. Bangladesh has been accused of sheltering and facilitating some of the Islamist and ethnic terrorist groups that operate in Eastern and Northeastern India.
What are the impacts of terrorism on India's economy and development?
Terrorism has adversely affected India's economy and development by disrupting trade, tourism, investment, production and consumption activities; increasing expenditure on security, defense, law enforcement and rehabilitation; reducing human capital, social capital and natural capital; and lowering the annual growth rate of GDP.
What are the measures taken by the Indian government to combat terrorism?
The Indian government has taken various measures to combat terrorism, such as strengthening intelligence and security agencies; enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation and diplomacy; addressing the root causes of terrorism; promoting peace and harmony among different communities; enacting anti-terrorism laws; banning terrorist organizations; arresting and prosecuting terrorists; conducting counter-terrorism operations; and providing relief and compensation to victims of terrorism.
What are the challenges faced by India in countering terrorism?
Some of the challenges faced by India in countering terrorism are: lack of coordination and cooperation among various agencies and stakeholders; inadequate resources and capabilities of intelligence and security agencies; legal and procedural hurdles in dealing with terrorists; political interference and corruption in anti-terrorism efforts; human rights violations and civil liberties issues in counter-terrorism operations; social and psychological impact of terrorism on people; and international pressure and criticism on India's counter-terrorism policies.
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