Understanding Radicalization

The recent arrest of multiple suspects in the ISI terror module case shows that the threat of radicalization in India is pervasive and increasing exponentially. Recently, a ISIS module was busted by the National Investigation Agency. The module was found to have a pan-India presence, stretching across Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala. The investigations have gone on to reveal that online radicalization played an important role in the recruitment of members as well as the preparation and/or execution of extremist activities by the members.

In a speech before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Indian Prime Minister identified radicalization as the greatest threat to the security and safety of all member countries. It was asked from the member countries to heed the challenges and build effective responses. Such responses can broadly be classified under the following heads — deradicalization, counter-radicalization, anti-radicalization and disengagement. In line with this vision, India must lead by example and develop responses systematically with due regard to constitutional values.

Factors responsible Behind Radicalization

Individual socio-psychological factors, which include grievances and emotions such as alienation and exclusion, anger and frustration and a strong sense of injustice. Socio-economic factors, which include social exclusion, marginalization and discrimination (real or perceived), limited education or employment etc. Political factors, which include weak and non-participatory political systems lacking good governance and regard for civil society. Social media, which provides connectivity, virtual participation and an echo-chamber for like-minded extremist views, accelerates the process of radicalization. Religious factors like the use of religion by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (IS) to spread its influence all over the world is an example.

Forms of Radicalism in India

1. Politico-Religious Radicalism: It is associated with a political interpretation of religion and the defense, by violent means, of a religious identity perceived to be under attack.
2. Use of Religion by ISIS to spread its influence all over the world is an example.
3. Right-Wing Radicalism: It is a form of radicalization associated with fascism, racialism/racism, supremacism and ultra nationalism.
4. Left Wing Radicalism: This form of radicalization focuses primarily on anti-capitalist demands and calls for the transformation of political systems considered responsible for producing social inequalities, and that may ultimately employ violent means to further its cause.

Some Steps Taken in India

The Ministry of Home Affairs had set up the Counter-Terrorism and Counter Radicalization division in November 2017.The focus of the division is largely on the implementation and administration of counter-terror laws and monitoring of fundamentalist organizations such as the Students Islamic Movement of India, Popular Front of India, Jamaat-e-Islami and Sanatan Sanstha. Some acts such as Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), NIA Act, 2008 deals with the associated issues. Moreover, strengthening the provisions in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to combat terror financing (for radicalization purpose also) by criminalizing the production or smuggling or circulation of high quality counterfeit Indian currency as a terrorist act and enlarge the scope of proceeds of terrorism to include any property intended to be used for terrorism.

Deradicalisation Strategies at War-footing: The Indian state should develop and enforce de-radicalization, counter-radicalization and anti-radicalisation strategies at a pan-India and pan-ideology level on a war footing.
Such attempts must be informed by the fact that the battle against radicalization begins in the minds and hearts much before it manifests in terms of violence.

Any programme aimed at deterring or reversing radicalization must focus on the ideological commitment that enables the violence, rather than the violence or the justification of violence itself.
Checking Cross-Border Flow of Propaganda: Efforts must be made to first stem the flow of propaganda from across the Indian borders.

A uniform statutory or policy framework to deal with radicalization, de-radicalization and its associated strategies should be developed.

Rehabilitation Measures: Arrested and convicted individuals must not only be prosecuted and punished as a measure of deterrence or retribution but their reformation and rehabilitation must also be prioritized.
The promotion of the syncretic nature of religions in India should be promoted through the development of counter-narratives, promotion of constitutional values and virtues, promotion of sports and other activities in schools and other educational institutions aimed at mainstreaming the youth.

Conclusion

At the same time, it must be understood that radicalization by itself is not bad and gains a positive or negative characteristic based upon its context. A mere deviation from conventional thinking must not be penalised. Radicalization becomes problematic only where it has the propensity to lead to violence. The challenge lies in preventing such radicalization. Developing a nuanced understanding of the process of radicalization as well as its characteristics can help guide the Action Plan in effectively meeting such challenges.