By Muhammad Shahzad
- Table of Content:
- Introduction
- Literature Review
- Genesis of Extremism in South Asia: A Case Study of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
- Extremisms and Islam phobia in the Modern World
- Difference between Jihad and Terrorism: In the Light of Holy Quran
- Factors Responsible for Extremism in South Asia
- Religious identity and Politics
- Geo-Political Factors
- Socio-Economic Factors
- Ethnic and Sectarian Tension
- Social media: A Propaganda Platform
- Pakistan’s Response to counter Extremism or Terrorism
- India’s Backlash to Counter Terrorism and Extremism
- Bangladesh Reciprocation to Tackle Terrorism and Extremism
- Steps to counter terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
- Key Analysis
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dawn of the twenty first century has seems as increased of violence in South Asia especially Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Today, extremism is one of the major issues in South Asia but it has certainly growing in the region during the past few decades. The rising threat of extremism and terrorism is one of the major issues in the region. Historically, all these three states (Pakistan, India and Bangladesh) have common history and systemic origin in the region. In South Asia, the extremism has deeply rooted in nature. It means that its socio political, culture and religions are one the key aspect of the rise of terrorism and extremism in South Asia. First the colonial history and the British Policy like “Divide and Rule” sowed the seed of extremism in the mind of the sub continents. In additions, South Asia is the home of one of the most diverse region in the world in term of languages, ethnicities and religions. Owing to these factors in the region historically the seed of alienation and extremism were deeply penetrated in the region of Muslim majority areas and Hindus majority areas. Historically, if we analyze the history of the sub continent there are various factors of extremism in South Asia depending upon state to state these are religion and identity politics, geo-strategic factors, economic disparities, sectarianism and ethnic division, etc. Extremism and terrorism are running by many terrorist outfits in order to peruse their goals and objectives. In light of Quran, terrorism or extremism is against the core Islamic principles and values. With the evolution of the ideas and beliefs, today many terrorist outfits are use extremism as a tool in order to obtain their heinous criminal mindset.
Literature Review
The emergence of extremism in South Asia has driven varying responses from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, shaped by distinct political, historical, and social contexts. Every country is facing challenges and uphill to combating radical ideologies. Islamabad’s reaction to combat extremism has been dominated by military-led efforts, with intelligence agencies playing a main role in combating terrorism and insurgent movements, particularly those linked to Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, United Jihad Council, Hizbul Mujahideen, People’s Anti-Fascist Front, Resistance Front, and Dukhtaran-e-Millat. Pakistan’s counter-extremism policies often lack consistency, particularly due to the complex relationship between the state and militant groups. While on the other hand, India’s loom to extremism has been shaped by both religious and political factors, Banerjee one of the leading figures in the Indian politics, (2019) highlights the extensive use of security forces, particularly in regions like Kashmir, where rebellion and cross-border terrorism have been escalating. India has also faced domestic threats, such as the rise of Hindu and Muslim extremist groups. The points out that while security measures like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been critical in countering extremism, they have also led to concerns about human rights abuses and disaffection of local populations. Furthermore, discusses how the mount of Hindu nationalism has influenced state responses, sometimes exacerbating sectarian tensions and fueling extremism, particularly in the context of communal violence. Bangladesh has taken a multiple approach likewise balancing hard security measures with efforts to address the root causes of extremism, such as poverty, political exclusion, and religious radicalization. These are the key aspects of causing terrorism and extremism in the region.
Genesis of Extremism in South Asia: A Case Study of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
The origin of the term extremism in South Asia is complex and divorce in nature which means that there are various factors which are responsible for the seed of extremism in South Asia. Firstly, the colonial legacy in term of the British brutal policies to tackle Muslim and Hindus were in the region like divide and rule policy. British rule from 1857-1947 during that period the British government implements those policies and laws which had created hatred among the two communities in the sub continent such as Muslims and Hindus. They played the Hindu and Muslims differences and started their politics in the region. Consequently, the extremist groups were emerging in the region and they were fighting against their rivals. British Empire used their power and alienated the Muslims and Hindus. The partition of Pakistan and India marked itself one of the communal violence and clashes in the region. Most of the analyst argued that the seed of alienation and hatred in South Asia had started during the period of British Empire. Before the arrival of British Empire both the Muslims and Hindus were like a hand and gloves. They respected each other and living here since centuries. Hence, British government was succeeding on his this policy and the aftermath of these alienations (extremism) killed millions of people in the South Asia. The roots of extremism are still present on South Asia and citizens as well as Government are being suffering from these social evils.
Extremisms and Islam phobia in the Modern World
The jihadist movements are rising in the various part of the world. Today, Muslim world faced one of the biggest challenges in the form of Islamopobia which means the hatred of Islam by the non Muslim communities. The western power criticized on the Muslim that jihadists are the product of Islam. Islam is a religion which supported radicalism and fanaticism in the world. Same as the Indian perspective is that in Kashmir Pakistan is backing the terrorist and jihadist groups and these are due to the teaching of Islam. The western perspective of Jihadism and Indian perspective of Jihadism is same in their contextual understanding. However, Islam is a religion which always stressed their believer to maintain peace and love in the society. Islam negates those acts and actions that are harmful for other human beings. In the contemporary world, some of the religious groups are using the term jihad to sake their own interest and objectives resultantly the western powers argued that Islam favors on such extremist acts and actions. Due to the lack of understanding and thinking about the teaching of Islam the mullah use this term for their own interests.
Difference between Jihad and Terrorism: In the Light of Holy Quran
Qur’an 2:190: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.“
Qur’an 9:41: “Go forth, whether light or heavy, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allah. That is better for you, if you only knew.“
Factors Responsible for Extremism in South Asia: a Comparative analysis of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
Some majors factors which are responsible for the emergence of extremism is South Asia is as follows:
Religious identity and Politics
In South Asia, there are two major religions are present such as Muslims and Hindus while some minor religions are also existing i-e Sikh, Christianity, etc. Religion is often as intervened with the national identity of a state such as Hindu nationalism in India, Islamic nationalism in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Historically, Pakistan and India both emerged on the map of the world by the name of religion. The legacy of religious identity is still been exists in South Asia. The Hindu nationalist outfits like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been associated with attempt to declared India as a Hindu state. These radical groups are violent and harsh in nature when they deal with the Muslims. The Muslims are not safe in the hand of these radical groups in India. For instance, the RSS and BJP are damaging Muslim property and killed Muslim. India’s Muslims populations have faced decades of marginalization communities in the world. Hindu nationalist believed that Hindus are the true son of soil on India and Muslims are utilizing their resources. For decades, Muslims communities are marginalized in the field of education, politics and bureaucracy owing two this discrimination the extremist groups are against the policies of Indian Government. They are disproportionate the victim of communal violence.
Geo-Political Factors
During the period of 1980s, the United States of America and its major allies supported the Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union (USSR). Pakistan served as a conduit for this support. This led to the formation of militant training camps in the western region of Pakistan present day FATA (Federal Administration Tribal Area), where a generation of extremists was indoctrinated with radical ideologies. After the Soviet withdrawal, many of these groups turned to jihadism, contributing to instability in the region. Extremist groups in Pakistan like Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are the offshoot of this legacy. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India over the issue of Kashmir is one of the major reasons for extremism in the region. Both these countries have their own stance on Kashmir. Pakistan believed that Kashmir is the part of Pakistan and in order to recapture their territory Pakistan indirectly supported those entire Kashmir nationalist like mujahideen. While on the other hand, India declared that these groups are not freedom fighter they are terrorist groups. In Pakistan, India supported all those terrorist groups which are severe threats for the national integrity of state. Extremism further escalates in the region after the incident of 9/11, once again Pakistan supported the United States of America and became part of this War. Consequently, owing to own shallow policies of our government Pakistan is still facing threats from the extremist outfits. Hence, the geo-political factor is one of the major factors which created the extremism in the region.
Socio-Economic Factors
South Asia especially Pakistan, India and Bangladesh is considered as one of the poor country in term of Human Development Index. The rate of extreme poverty in South Asia is 10.5 % which is highest in the World after Arica. Lack of economic opportunities has created fertile ground for the extremist ideologies. The literacy rate of country is also lowest in the world such as the literacy rate of Pakistan is 61.2%, India 67 % and Bangladesh 75 %. The spreads of Madrasass (Religions institutions) are one of the biggest threats for the national security because they are interpreting the wrong practices and teaching of Islam. In some cases, these institutions serve as reproduction grounds for extremism by fostering rigid ideological beliefs that often align with militant agendas. The socio economic factors are directly affects the social fabrics of a society. Owing to poor economic growth the extremism groups are emerging and recruiting the people in their organizations. Socio economic factors are due to the policies of the state and law enforcement agencies.
Ethnic and Sectarian Tension
In South Asia, the ethnic and sectarian tension is one of the major factors which lead extremism in the region. Countries like, Pakistan the sectarian issue between Shia and Sunni is one of the reason of extremism in Pakistan. In the history of Pakistan, since decades the clashes between these two religions groups weakened the social fabrics of a country. Since 1987 to 2024 more than forty thousand people have been killed on the name of religions. In addition, ethnic conflict in South Asia is one of the key factors that lead extremist ideologies in the region. South Asia is the home of many ethnic groups. Owing to internal rivalry among the ethnic groups people from various ethnic groups are engaged in those activities which are against the state.
Social media: A Propaganda Platform
Modern day is considered as the age digitalization. The terrorist outfits use social media as a tool in order to spread hatred literature and contents. By using social media as a platform the terrorist outfits brain washed the new generation and recruits into their own network. In additions, through social media propaganda techniques are also highly harnessed in the modern World. In South Asia especially Pakistan, India and Bangladesh people are less aware about the norms, values consequently through the propaganda people are easily recruits in their organizations.
Pakistan’s Response to counter Extremism or Terrorism
Pakistan is geographically located in the most important region is South Asia. It shares it borders with India from its eastern region and Afghanistan from its western region. Since its inceptions, Pakistan has been facing severe challenges in term of security challenges. Pakistan, owing to its geographical location it is impossible to isolate from the rest of the World. The policies made by the Global powers are directly or indirectly affected to Pakistan. Terrorism and extremism are not confined to Pakistan but it spreads on the whole of the World. In Pakistan, there are various steps taken by the government in order to protect extremism and terrorism. Firstly, the Pakistan Panel Code 1860s deal with the act of terrorism. The anti terrorism act 1997s is the primary substantive measure that govern terrorist act in Pakistan. In additions, the military operations in the form of Zarb ul Azab (2014s), Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad (2017), Operation Khyber (2017), are some major steps taken by security agencies in Pakistan. In additions, National Action Plan (2015s) is also a milestone to counter terrorism and extremism in Pakistan which outlined 20 specific areas to counter terrorism in Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan has been working with the International bodies like FATF, etc to eliminate terrorism and extremism from country. Money laundering laws are passed from the Parliament in order to root out the cause of terrorism and extremism.
India’s Backlash to Counter Terrorism and Extremism
Perspectives on terrorism by Pakistan and India are opposite in nature. It means that Pakistan called freedom fighter for those groups which are working in Kashmir and other part of India. While on the other hand, India declared as terrorist groups. India has faced major challenges in countering terrorism, particularly due to its geographical location, its political and security issues with neighboring countries like Pakistan. The Indian government has applied a paradoxical approach to counter-terrorism, which includes military, intelligence, legal, diplomatic, and socio-economic strategies. In additions, surgical strikes (2016s), operation all out (2017s) and counter insurgency operation in the northern part of India are some major steps initiated by the Indian Government in order to minimize the threats of terrorism and extremism in the region. Furthermore, Unlawful activities prevention acts (2014s), National Investigation Act (NIA) established in 2009s are some majors steps by the Indian government to tackle terrorism. Like Pakistan, India is also working with the international bodies (FATF) to eradicate terrorism and extremism from their soil. It is fact that, without collective efforts no nation can defeat extremism and terrorism in the world.
Bangladesh Reciprocation to Tackle Terrorism and Extremism
Terrorism is one of the major threats for the entire World. It is not an issue of single state only. Bangladesh is one of the countries in South Asia, which are facing extremism and terrorism challenges and lost millions of economic resources. Bangladesh army along with Rapid Action Battalion is close working to tackle terrorism in the region such as : Operation Twilight (2016), Operation Hit-Back (2017), Anti-Terrorism Act (2009), The Special Powers Act (1974) are some majors steps to root out terrorism from the soil. Like Pakistan and India, Bangladesh is also working with the international organizations like FATF and regional organizations such as SAARC to counter terrorism.
Steps to counter terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
| Military and Intelligence Cooperation |
| Counter-Radicalization Programs |
| International Cooperation |
| Surveillance and Monitoring |
| Mutual Cooperation |
Key Analysis
The politics of South Asia is diverse in nature. There are multiples actors in the regions which are harnessing the tool of extremism and terrorism in the society. Like perspective of Indian government regarding terrorism is different from the perspective of Pakistan. New Delhi believed that Islam is a religion which promotes terrorism and extremism in the world. The western perspective about extremism is same as the Indian perspective. In additions, the Indian government bashing the point that Pakistan is an Islamic state and they promote terrorism and extremism in the region. New Delhi argued that the groups which are operating in Indian occupied Kashmir are sponsored by Islamabad. According to Indian, Islamabad has been directly or indirectly sponsored these terrorist outfits such as: Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, United Jihad Council, Hizbul Mujahideen, People’s Anti-Fascist Front, Resistance Front, and Dukhtaran-e-Millat. While on the other hand, Islamabad believed that the Indian government and RAW are responsible to attacked on security agencies in various part of Pakistan. Furthermore, the terrorist groups which are operating in Pakistan are backed by the Indian government. Hence, in South Asia there are many dimensions and lenses to understand the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism however it is universal fact that no religion promotes terrorism, violence and extremism in a society. To curb the issue like terrorism or extremism in the region global efforts are need of an hour. It is pertinent fact that terrorism or extremism is creating havoc impact in the region. Pakistan is considered as one of the major country in the world which is highly affected due to terrorism. Hence, via mutual collaboration and understanding the menace of terrorism is controllable in the region.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, terrorism in South Asia remains a significant challenge in the region. The rising extremist ideologies in the region fueled the extremism in the region. Terrorism is violating the norms and values of civilization and creates negative impact on a society. To counter terrorism, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are combating terrorism through various military operations. To achieving lasting peace and security in South Asia requires wide-ranging cooperation among regional governments, enhanced intelligence sharing, and address the root causes of extremism, with encouragement of socio-economic development and political stability. Hence, there is no religion in the world which promotes extremist ideas in the world. Due to the wrong interpretation of the teaching of Islam there are many actors which are using the tool of Jihad for their own political, economic and self interest. Pakistan, India and Bangladesh should work on their human development index as South Asia is one of the worst regions in the world in term of food crisis, water scarcity, climate change, etc. It is reality that human development should be the core of all national policies because the real wealth of a nation is people. In short, the curse or extremism and terrorism will eliminate from the region through mutual cooperation, understanding, etc.
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