Wiping out terrorism is impossible without invoking a social and political solution
A permanent solution to the problem of terrorism would require multilayered policy-driven initiatives based on carrot and stick policy. The Quad can be very effective in tackling the increasing tentacles of terror on the diplomatic front through coordination and dialogue, and conflict resolution methods but history bears testimony to the fact that these methods alone are not sufficient. On the other hand, there is gradually a growing frustration over the inability to control the rising tide of militancy which brought about opposition in myriad forms, increasing pressure on the government to take stringent steps. The rigmarole the security forces have to undergo after conducting any anti-terrorist operation is mind-boggling. Some kind of Popular Mobilization Force on the pattern of Iraq (PMF of Iraq against ISIS) can build solid public opinion against insurgency and militancy in the region.
Wiping out terrorism is the top priority for any nation to survive, but terrorism cannot be done away with unless there is a social and political solution. There is a need for a deep penchant and will to solve the problems that generate terrorism. The states affected by terrorism should open the avenues for a negotiated settlement of disputes and exhibit a genuine willingness to resolve long-festering problems. This threat can be encountered by training and development of a new mechanism bolstered by a multidimensional and multi-layered approach based on checks and balances.
Certain pertinent questions need to be answered immediately: these are - What are the new terrorist challenges across the globe and particularly faced by India, Why are terrorists successful in their mission?and what is the role of religion in motivating terrorists?
In this regard, a careful analysis of the causes of a suicidal squad of terrorism could be of great use. we need to analyze how recent years' terror attacks such as one in France, Germany, the UK and India could have been avoided and what are Legal and constitutional provisions are available to deal with terrorists?
After carefully examining the widening gap between the various governments to formulate a common strategy for the suppression of terrorism some strategic measures ought to be looked into for formulating an international strategy to counter this menace. In this regard, comprehensive coordination between various nations can be of immense use. We need to work on the strategic methods which the security forces and the intelligence agencies ought to be preparing for to encounter new forms of sporadic attacks on markets, trains, shopping centres, cinema halls, hotels and other public places. Quad Group countries know pretty well that international terrorism is multi-dimensional and requires a fresh perspective. Unless we hit the roots of the evil disease it will keep haunting us. The anti-terrorist campaign should also covers the following major issues along with pure security strategy:
Reasons for the rising tide of terrorism in the region and its linkages.; level of possible potentialities and impediments in the war against terror and thereby having an immediate contingency plan worked out. The environment Security Agenda through multiple layers of security and nexus between the local powerful syndicates, outsiders and drug smugglers.
There ought to be a highly clinical and consciously passionate approach to address the hidden problem of the region which is entangled in the game plan sponsored from across the border and the petty interest of a few players to remain at the helm of affairs.
The entire process needs to address the issue of meritorious policy analysis with an objective approach to provide an innovative urge to solve the existing gap between theory and practice by the regional political parties in the region.
More integrated programs and services that provide supplemental support to both army and local police make it more efficient in the present circumstances of dealing with the worst form of propaganda terror. Growth and enrichment of the region, both inside and outside through community development exercises within the member countries of Quad. In an increasingly globalized world, the matrices of power at times turn on the imbalanced and not so egalitarian structure of the international economy and as such inter-relations between socio-economic conditions in different parts of the world are becoming more and more obvious day by day and leading to the problem of terrorism gives a psychological food for thought and strength to non-state actors in IR. Therefore, there is a need to combat the concept of Post Truth and ill ideology manufacturing agents.
Besides, the process requires constant talent transfer and specialists trained in countering terrorism. A think tank specialized in encountering tactics can be immensely useful. The secretive mission of the intruders and creating cognitive dissonance through relentless application of the latest information on changing strategies with feedback from those deployed and constant interactive communication with various branches dealing with law-and-order maintenance on a daily basis. Therefore, there is an urgent need for integrated programmes and services which support both Army and local police making them more efficient in the present circumstances of dealing with the worst form of propaganda terror.
(Writer is a Recipient of the Bharat Gaurav Award and is a Professor of Political Science and Strategic Affairs Expert. This is the second part of a two-part series on QUAD. Concluded)
