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Deconstructing Radicalisation in Modern India
Context: Radicalisation has emerged as a critical, non-traditional threat to India’s national security, fundamentally undermining social cohesion. Recent incidents—from arrests in Faridabad to the involvement of educated professionals like doctors in terror modules—demonstrate that modern terrorism begins not with weapons, but with the systematic manipulation of the mind.
What is radicalisation?
- Radicalisation is a gradual psychological and social process through which an individual or group adopts increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideologies that reject or undermine the status quo and justify the use of violence to achieve their objectives.
- It involves the manipulation of identity, beliefs, and emotions, transforming ordinary individuals into willing participants in violent extremism by creating a sense of victimhood, moral obligation, and a distorted sense of heroism.
What are the elements of radicalising individuals in the contemporary world?
- Ideological Manipulation: Distorting religious or political concepts (e.g., Jihad, Ummah) to create a narrative of “us vs. them,” victimhood, and a moral duty for violence.
- Grievance Exploitation: Leveraging real or perceived injustices—communal riots (e.g., Gujarat 2002), global conflicts (Palestine, Kashmir), or socio-economic discrimination—to fuel anger and a desire for revenge.
- Identity & Belonging: Offering a potent sense of purpose, brotherhood, and identity to youths feeling alienated or adrift in a complex world.
- Peer & Social Influence: Utilising trusted environments like friend circles, college hostels, and local hangouts to create echo chambers where extremist views are normalised.
- Digital Propagation: Using encrypted apps, social media algorithms, propaganda videos, and online gaming platforms for boundaryless, anonymous, and rapid grooming.
- Structured Indoctrination: Employing a step-by-step process involving radical literature (e.g., works of Sayyid Qutb), graphic imagery, motivational content, and promises of spiritual rewards (like martyrdom) to bypass critical thinking.
What are the significant radicalisation hotspots in the World and India?
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Global Hotspots:
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- Afghanistan-Pakistan Region: Epicenter for groups like Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and their ideologies.
- Syria and Iraq: For the rise of ISIS and its global propaganda.
- Online Spaces: The “virtual hotspot” where ideologies transcend geography via social media and dark web forums.
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Indian Hotspots:
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- Certain Religious Spaces: A small subset of mosques and madrasas where extremist preachers operate (as used by figures like Abdul Karim Tunda).
- Urban Centers & Educational Campuses: Cities and colleges where peer-group radicalisation targets educated youth (seen in Indian Mujahideen, PFI modules).
- Conflict Zones: Jammu & Kashmir, where cross-border propaganda and local grievances intersect.
- Communally Sensitive Localities: Areas with a history of riots or tension, where grievances can be easily reignited.
What are the significant challenges associated with India’s internal security?
- The “Ideological Threat”: The primary challenge is combating a decentralised ideology that spreads online and offline, making it harder to target than physical infrastructure.
- Cross-Border Links: Persistent support from state and non-state actors in Pakistan for groups like LeT and JeM, providing training, funding, and ideological direction.
- Homegrown Terrorism: The rise of self-radicalised or locally indoctrinated modules (e.g., Delhi blast suspects) that are difficult to detect through traditional intelligence.
- Misuse of Technology: Encryption and the dark web facilitate secret communication, recruitment, and planning, challenging surveillance capabilities.
- Socio-Economic Factors: Youth unemployment, perceived discrimination, and lack of opportunity create a vulnerable pool for radicalisers.
- Legal & Operational Hurdles: Balancing effective counter-terrorism with civil liberties, and ensuring coordination among multiple central and state agencies.
What measures have been taken to address the concerns associated with radicalisation?
- Legal & Institutional Framework: Strengthening laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and establishing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for specialised prosecution.
- Counter-Radicalisation & De-radicalisation Programs: Initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir and other states focusing on community policing, counselling, and rehabilitation of misguided youth.
- Cyber Security: Enhancing capabilities of agencies like the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to monitor and counter online extremist propaganda.
- Community Engagement: Promoting programs like “Udaan” in J&K, involving parents, religious leaders (like imams), teachers, and community elders in early identification and intervention.
- Strengthening Intelligence: Multi-agency centres (MAC) and improved coordination to share real-time intelligence on radical networks.
- Promoting Inclusive Development: Addressing socio-economic grievances through inclusive policies to reduce the sense of alienation.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
