Hindu Terrorists

Before the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the Washington Post published an article addressing the growing threat of “Hindu terrorists” in India. The article focused on two central points, recognizing the category of Hindu terrorists and the implications of such accusations in Indian society. A review of the lessons of that article is particularly important in the aftermath of the atrocious attacks carried out in Mumbai.

Mistrust is highlighted throughout the article. One Muslim victim of a recent bombing was quoted saying, “We have always known that Hindu extremists were behind the blast, but we never thought the government would have the courage to arrest Hindus. The suspicion is always on Muslims.” With tensions between Hindus and Muslims increasing, conquering the paralyzing fear that government is incapable of impartial prosecution of guilty parties must be a top priority in providing a context for the investigations of the Mumbai attacks, if the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan is to be salvaged.

The article brings attention specifically to the group ‘Abhinav Bharat’ (‘New India’ in English) suspected of the Malegaon bombing. On an ideological level, this group advocates the desecularization of India and the creation of a Hindu nation coupled with a call for Hindus to strike against Muslim extremist in the country. Such radical beliefs pose enormous threats to any society, regardless of affiliation of the extremists.

It is interesting that the reaction of Hindus to the idea of Hindu terrorists reflects that of Muslims to the phrase “Islamic terrorism.” “’Hindus can never be terrorists,’ the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said, adding that terrorists do not have a religion.” Others suggest distinguishing between the terms Hindu and Hindutva, meaning Hindu chauvinism or pride. This may not be mere semantics. We at the Minaret of Freedom Institute have emphasized that while Muslims may commit terrorism, killing non-combatants is quite pointedly prohibited by Islamic law. Emphasizing that terrorism, or hiraabah, is contrary to the shariah has been of some help in fighting terrorism, and any such arguments that can be made with regard to Hindu law should be employed to the fullest.

Notwithstanding suspicions to the contrary, the investigation to date strongly indicates the Mumbai attacks originated in Pakistan with no local support. This can be helpful in calming intercommunity wrangling within India, but the urgency of Pakistani cooperation in the investigation is critical to Pakistan’s need to coordinate peaceful relations with India, including a comprehensive solution for Kashmir. While terror attacks of this scale are typically seen as a call for a military response, it would be better to seize the opportunity provided by common threat posed by the various terrorist elements in their respective populations to forge a lasting peace between these rival states.

We should also remember the risks associated with the IMF’s loan to Pakistan. Shall the international community continue to be the enabler for a failing state? Combining these issues with the continued chaos of Afghanistan, which extends into Pakistan’s northwest territory, the fragile condition of Pakistani authority is fully exposed. Additionally, India will continue to suffer if it does not promote stability within Pakistan. Until these neighbors form common cause against all forms of religious bigotry, extremists will have a natural outlet for promoting their violence.

Imran Malik and Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad
Minaret of Freedom Institute
www.minaret.org

Imran

Minaret of Freedom Institute Program Assistant


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