Within the past one month, especially during the last eight days, there has been a spate of brutal violence resulting in bloodbath and loss of a large number of completely innocent human lives. Starting with the carnage in Bangladesh there have now been similar crimes in France, Turkey, Germany and the latest in Kabul (Afghanistan). By any standard or definition they are vengeful acts of terrorism. They are problems of ideology that stem from religious belief and are responsible for radicalisation of weak minds.
Religious belief and religious ideology are important to many people especially to Muslims and as such they will remain ongoing long-time problems for the entire world. Since 7/7 successive British governments have adopted a strategy called ‘Prevent’ to address these problems. It is a problem specific to Islam and only Muslims themselves can reform their society. Pressure from outside is not going to work. The problem of this nature cannot be solved if Muslims are considered as enemy of the state. The way forward is to have friendly dialogue with Muslims about their view of the humanity and see if they can be persuaded to think in a positive manner and refrain from destructive activities.
Jatindra Saha
By email
