The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken the unprecedented step of approving a research study on the ‘status of radicalisation’ in the country. This will be the first time such a study is undertaken, with the current lack of a legal definition for ‘radicalisation’ posing potential problems, which we’ll explore further in this article.
Understanding the Study
The study will be conducted by G.S. Bajpai, Director of the Centre for Criminology and Victimology at the National Law University in Delhi. One key aim of the research is to establish a legal definition for ‘radicalisation’. Such a definition currently does not exist, allowing for potential misuse by law enforcement.
Another primary objective of the study is to suggest potential amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This is in light of debates around whether aggressive responses to radicalised individuals, who are often young and susceptible to ideological manipulation, may be more harmful than helpful.
International Concerns and Local Challenges
Radicalisation, left unchecked, can pose significant security challenges. Recent reports by the United Nations’ Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team have highlighted the presence of substantial numbers of Islamic State and al-Qaeda members in Kerala and Karnataka. These trends underline the importance of this study in understanding and potentially curbing the spread of radical ideologies.
Instances of Radicalisation in India
Several instances of radicalisation have been observed across multiple states, often facilitated via the internet. There has also been a notable rise in Left Wing Extremism (LWE), in spite of consistent efforts by the government to control it. Instances like mob lynching and cow vigilantism, alongside assassinations of rational thinkers such as Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, and Gauri Lankesh, point towards increasing extremism within right-wing groups.
A Look at the Maharashtra Model
In response to the growing threat of extremism, the Maharashtra Government has introduced a Deradicalisation Programme for minority communities. This 50-point socio-economic strategy has been designed to counter not only home-grown extremism but also the global threat posed by the Islamic State (IS).
Understanding Radicalisation
The term “radical” refers to changes in the fundamental nature of something. In this context, radicalisation refers to an individual’s journey from being a moderate, law-abiding citizen to becoming an active, anti-state, violent extremist. This takes many forms, including right-wing extremism, politico-religious extremism, and left-wing extremism.
Behind the Radicalisation
Several factors are believed to contribute to radicalisation. These include socio-psychological factors, such as feelings of alienation, anger, or perceived injustice; socio-economic factors, such as social exclusion, marginalisation, limited education or employment opportunities; and political factors, such as weak and non-participatory political systems. Social media also plays a key role, providing a platform that simultaneously connects and echo-chambers extremist views.
Looking Forward: Potential Solutions
To counteract these trends, it’s suggested that the government reinvest in educational institutions to reduce prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping while promoting democratic values. Collective sports and exchange-based citizen programmes have shown promise. The success of deradicalisation programmes in Kerala and Maharashtra also indicates how community-based programmes could be effective in more vulnerable states. Ultimately, battling radicalisation requires a multi-faceted approach, tackling not only external behaviours but also addressing root causes at the individual level.