Many factors, encircle India, that are leading to growth of extremism in India
- India’s staggering inequality: According to a report, richest 10% of Indians are 370 times richer than 10% poorest.
- Justice delayed and Justice denied : Acquittal of accused in Laxmanpur Bathe massacre, Hashimpura incident erodes faith of vulnerable section of society from the Govt and state with end resort left to them is take extremist stand
- Development failure and increasing Poverty : Maoism spread in the red corridor is exemplary how state apathy towards the poor can become the biggest internal security threat of India
- Religious intolerance : Ban on Cow slaughter, Vandalisation of Minorities religious places makes minorities alienated & insecure which can have disastrous impact on syncretic traditions of India
- Increasing Unemployment : Telangana creation, Son of the soil doctrine in Maharashtra destroys fraternity among Indian citizens
- Illegal migration : Porous borders especially towards West Bengal and North Eastern States have led to thousands of Bangladeshis migrants which has increased tensions among ethnic communities e.g., Kokrajhar riots of Assam, Dimapur Lynching of a rape accused
- Perceived Anti-poor legislations : recent ordinance on Land Acquisition 2014 have made the farmer country insecure of their livelihood and security. It is very important that Govt should instil faith in its citizens.
- Increasing corporatization: Though important for growth but unchecked corporatization and unbalanced development have inherent dangers of fuelling radicalisation among poor people.
- Institutionalised state bias: e.g. majority of under trials being Muslim
Why India is a model society for other countries of world:
- Historical Syncretic traditions: India in spite of communal incidences has strong culture of religious harmony.
- Indian constitutions have provided many safeguards like fundamental rights especially Art 29,30 which cater especially to minorities to safeguard their interest
- Right to Freedom: is one of the instrumental fundamental right that ensured ventilation of grievance through pen rather than guns
- Indian constitutions also provide DPSP, Fundamental duties which entails respect for human rights as foremost which give a both a positive moral and political identity to all its citizen
- Independent Judiciary : By and Large , Indian Judiciary have proven to fair and just in safeguarding the vulnerable. E.g., Keshavanand Bharti case, recent SC order on under trials, Prisoner on death row, scrapping of draconian clause on Section 66A of IT law have shown that Judiciary to by and large pro poor
- Indian Penal system is based on philosophy of reformation, which spreads culture of tolerance among its citizen
- Free and fair election, Universal adult suffrage: have ensured power of ballot than the bullet
What can be done to avoid radicalisation?
- Example of Maharashtra govt. : The programme includes opening vyayam shalasin minority areas, making National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts and Guides (BS&G) compulsory in minority schools, and setting up an independent media outlet to deliver ‘mainstream thoughts and values’ to the minority youth in the State.
In your opinion, what factors lead to growth of radicalisation and extremism in Indian society? As seen recently, Islamic State has failed to attract Indians to fight for it. What can be the possible reasons for this failure? Critically examine. (200 Words)
Does India need a ‘a coherent national strategy’ to take on Islamic State and to prevent Indians from joining this organisation? Critically examine. (200 Words)