The idea that there has
been a “shift” in the “locus of terrorism” towards South Asia is
currently being vigorously propounded. This paper would analyse trends
in terrorism and sectarian violence in this region in the context of
the hypothesis that it is more accurate to speak of the spread or
expansion of the sphere of terrorism, rather than any “shift”.
Indeed, as terrorists secure even limited successes in one region,
their methods are adopted in others, threatening an ever-widening
spectrum of nations and cultures.
Extremist Islam is at
the heart of this malignant expansion and, while terrorist activities
and safe havens may manifest apparent and transient shifts as a result
of tactical and strategic exigencies, the locus of the ideologies that
inspire this brand of Islam has remained firmly fixed.
South Asia comprises
the largest concentration of Muslims in the world, and has a long
history, both of communal confrontation and violence, on the one hand,
and of co-existence within an eclectic culture that has accepted
differences, on the other. This duality is ingrained in the unique and
diverse set of practices and beliefs that comprise Indian Islam. But
Indian Islam is, today, under a deep and penetrating attack, a
“hardening” of beliefs that may lend itself to the extremist jihad
in an uncertain future. This is compounded by a process of
“encirclement” and massive demographic shifts that deepen the danger,
particularly along India’s eastern borders.
This paper would assess
the threat of Islamic terrorism within the context of these broad
parameters. Specifically, it would focus on the following:
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The geopolitical
context of the Islamic extremist threat to South Asia.
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Islam in South Asia –
demographics, politicisation, schools and overview of sectarian
conflicts.
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Extremist Islamic
terror in South Asia, including the role of Afghanistan/Pakistan;
the conflict in Kashmir; and the growth of militant Islam in other
parts of the subcontinent, including India’s northeast.
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The strategies of
subversion, including patterns of demographic shift, the systematic
establishment of mosques and madarsas, and the “hardening” of
Islam throughout the region.
-
International support and
linkages of Islamic extremism in South Asia.