Political Essay
Essay

Terrorism - A baneful legacy



Terrorism - A baneful legacy

          Terrorism is basically a political weapon used by those who aspire after political power. Terrorists believe in the cult of bomb and the gun. They indulge in violence by whatever available means. By using weapons, these lawless elements kidnap men and women, commit murders, cause derailments and high-jacking of planes and destruction of property. Their aim is to target those whom they regard their oppressors and enemies of their violent programmes. Terrorism started in India in 1984 in Punjab. For the last two decades it has been a great menace not only in J & K but also in other parts of the country. Yet terrorism is not entirely a new development in the contemporary world. Act of terrorism were not unknown even in ancient and medieval India.
          In fact both Pakistan & China with the connivance of America have master minded proxy war against India. Pakistan knows it very well that it cannot succeed in direct confrontation against India. China also knows it well that international situation will not allow direct confrontation between India & China. Therefore, both China and Pakistan have adopted indirect operation in India to destroy the unity and integrity of the country. As a matter of fact Pakistan has no hesitation in declaring that terrorism in J & K is actually a war of independence.
          Terrorism in any form is dehumanised, deformed and unethical. It is a fruit of hatred, fear and frustration. Modern terrorism is nearly sixty years old, just a post war creation. But for India it is a recent development that has endangered the security of a common man. Besides J & K the threat of terrorism has always been present in North-Eastern region. The dismal aspect of situation is that the writ of the militants run through Manipur and other areas of North-Eastern states. Insurgency has been a common feature of the 7 states in this region. The influx of arms and ammunition into Kashmir valley and Eastern states by Pakistan & China has aggravated the situation.
          As a matter of fact the problem of terrorism is peculiar to India. It is a duty of a state to curb terrorism and ensure freedom to life as guaranteed in our constitution under article 21. Indian Govt is often accused of state sponsored terrorism when ever it tries to crush separatist elements working in the name of religious crusade. Take the example of Kashmir. Only by strong steps the militancy can be eliminated. No body talks of the killing of 50 thousand persons including security forces killed by the terrorists. About 3 lakh Kashmiri Pundits have been rendered refugees in their own country. Their houses were burnt and plundered. How can one expect to extend protection of human rights to such elements? Exclusion of Article 370 from Indian constitution requires a political will. Once it is achieved the problem of terrorism will definitely come to an end. The parity of population in the valley is one of the effective solutions to end terrorism in J & K. But who cares?

          However, the terrorists don't deserve any concession. Govt, stand should be firm. Indian Govt, has been very moderate in tackling terrorism in comparison to American policy. The post 9/11 September scenario in the world has changed. The hunt after Bin Ladane resulted in the bombing of the whole of Afganistan. Even Iraq has been implicated to suit the designs of America.
          Terrorism is no longer an isolated phenomenon. It has to be tackled in context of global ramifications. Terrorists are terrorists and their ways are unpredictable. India has suffered most in terms of security, economic progress and international status as a result of ineffectiveness of the Govt, to tackle the problem of terrorism. Unrest on our borders appears to be an unending curse for Indians at present as long as the problem of Cross Border terrorism continues to plague India.