Tackling terrorism with courage and humanity
PAMELA CHATTERJEE
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Steps to avoid mutual distrust
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Terrorism has become a terrible fact of life in several parts of the world, including our own country. A small group, so fanatically motivated, that they are willing to die as human bombs, and working for the most part ’invisibly’, are not easily controlled and suppressed. Communal terrorism on the scale that we are witnessing today is a comparatively recent phenomenon and we need to look at the reasons for it; only then can we deal with the problem with any measure of success.
Since the Partition of India, which was a frightening nightmare for Hindus and Muslims, there have been endemic riots in some areas, particularly Gujarat, Even though, these riots, set off by some incident, often trivial, have occasionally blown up into full scale carnage, it is significant, that normalcy returned fast and by and large, both communities have lived amicably. But in the last few years, after the 2002 riots in Ahmadabad, which spread to other districts in Gujarat, things changed.
There was real fear, because it was not just a fight between two communities, but the Sarkar also got into the act with partisan actions. The administration and police were not seen to protect the minority Muslim community, which was, at this time, on the receiving end of the attack. This is not to say that there was no retaliation, there was, and many innocent Hindus also suffered greatly. But this time, the Muslims felt that the battle was grossly unfair, and they did not have a chance. It has been said that the Ahmadabad killings were in retaliation to the Godhra killings which preceded this event. The mindless Godhra killings were a devastating horror and no matter what the provocation was, nobody has a right to let loose terror and killings on another community.
Inspiring example
It is a time to introspect, to look at the problem in a broader perspective, to learn from the experience of others. Two examples come to mind of South Africa and Sri Lanka, who have had bitter problems with two warring communities within their countries. Let us see how they have dealt with them: Take the example of South Africa where the atrocities on whites and blacks were most inhuman, and defy description.
In his book, "No future without forgiveness", Desmond Tutu describes the action taken for reconciliation. Initiated by statesman, who themselves made courageous confessions in open courts, people from all walks of life, black and white, were encouraged to come forward and confess their crimes. They wept as they recounted their own shameful actions, and the opposite side, be it black or white, was convinced that it was sincerely meant. And they were ready to forgive.
In other example in Sri Lanka, confrontation and retaliation continues, between the LTTE and Sinhala. The turmoil and violence between them is described succinctly by Ramachandra Guha, in his book, "The Last Liberal & Other Essays". He points out that mild protests by the Tamils in Sri Lanka, way back in 1972, went unheeded, and escalated with violence from both sides. “The younger Tamils saw no other recourse other than armed struggle in a country where they were a minority." The bitterness blew up into a monumental battle in which the Sri Lankan Army and the Tamil Tigers have not spared each other in a cruel wardespite intervention from impartial countries. In 35 years, no one is victor and the brutal warfare goes on.
Mitigation efforts
After the recent Delhi and Ahmadabad blasts, there is talk of much stronger measures to control the terrorist. But at the same time we have to mitigate violence with statesmanship. It requires courage, humanity and greatness to accept the damage that has been done. Genuine sincerity followed by tangible actions, even in this provocative time, will be recognised and will strike a chord amongst all Indians — Muslim, Hindu, Christian and others communities, all of whom are affected, directly or indirectly. When leaders set an example, there will be many from the affected communities and also people everywhere, who will be inspired to come forward to strengthen the bridge that is being built.
No one wants to live in fear and turmoil. The scars will heal slowly despite incidents. India has always shown strength in the face of insurmountable problems, with compassion, fully accepting all who come into its fold, recognising that diversity of beliefs and cultures has made this a unique and powerful country.
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