New Delhi, October 15, 2023 — In the wake of recent security operations uncovering ISIS-inspired modules in Kerala and Jammu, coupled with escalating communal tensions in Manipur and Haryana, India faces a pressing need to intensify its crackdown on radicalisation. Experts argue that unchecked extremist ideologies, whether religious, political, or social, threaten national security, social cohesion, and the nation’s global standing.
National Security at Stake
Radicalisation has repeatedly proven to be a catalyst for violence. While India’s counterterrorism agencies have thwarted numerous plots, the persistence of homegrown extremist networks underscores systemic vulnerabilities. “The line between internal dissent and external terror threats is blurring,” warns Aryan Khanna, a senior security analyst at the Institute for Conflict Management. “Radical ideologies, often spread through encrypted platforms, empower lone wolves and organized cells alike.”
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, orchestrated by external groups, remain a grim reminder of the consequences of complacency. Today, intelligence reports highlight self-radicalized individuals accessing global jihadist propaganda, necessitating robust surveillance and inter-agency coordination.
Fracturing Social Fabric
India’s pluralistic society is increasingly strained by divisive rhetoric. Recent incidents of communal violence, fueled by misinformation and hate speech, reveal how radicalisation exploits societal fissures. The Delhi riots of 2020 and recurring clashes over religious conversions exemplify the dangers of ideological polarization.
Sociologist Dr. Meera Patel notes, “Radicalisation isn’t confined to religion; it manifests in caste-based violence and regional separatism. The common thread is the dehumanization of ‘the other,’ eroding trust in democratic institutions.”
Youth Vulnerability and Digital Threats
With 65% of India’s population under 35, youth are prime targets for radical recruiters. Social media algorithms and dark web forums amplify extremist narratives, preying on socio-economic grievances. A 2022 NIA report identified over 150 cases of online radicalisation in Karnataka alone, emphasizing the need for cyber-policing and counter-narratives.
Legal and Human Rights Balancing Act
While the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) empowers authorities to designate and prosecute extremist groups, critics argue it risks overreach. “Security measures must avoid stigmatizing communities,” asserts human rights advocate Kavita Krishnan. “The focus should be on precision, not blanket suppression.”
Experts call for revising deradicalization programs, citing initiatives in Maharashtra and Telangana that combine education, vocational training, and psychological counseling.
Global Implications
India’s counterterrorism efforts are scrutinized internationally. Failure to curb radicalisation could hinder cooperation with entities like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and strain diplomatic ties, particularly with neighbors accusing India of minority marginalization.
The Path Forward
A holistic strategy demands addressing root causes: unemployment, educational gaps, and systemic inequality. Investments in community engagement, digital literacy, and inclusive governance are vital. Simultaneously, enhancing intelligence capabilities and fostering interfaith dialogue can mitigate risks.
As Home Minister Amit Shah recently stated, “Zero tolerance for extremism must align with justice and equity.” The challenge lies in safeguarding democracy while dismantling the seeds of hatred.
India stands at a crossroads. The choice is not merely between security and freedom but in forging a resilient society where extremism finds no refuge.
Violence as a Symptom of Radical Undercurrents: Understanding the Roots and Risks
Acts of violence, such as stone-pelting, riots, or targeted attacks, often serve as visible eruptions of deeper, systemic radicalization. These incidents are rarely isolated; instead, they reflect simmering ideological divisions, socio-political grievances, and the success of radical narratives in exploiting vulnerabilities. Here’s how such violence exposes the “brewing undercurrent” of radicalization:
1. Radicalization as a Process, Not an Event
Violence is often the culmination of prolonged indoctrination. Radical ideologies—whether religious, ethnic, or political—thrive in environments where distrust, marginalization, or perceived injustice fester. For example:
- Grievance Exploitation: Economic despair, lack of education, or systemic discrimination can make individuals susceptible to groups that promise purpose or revenge.
- Propaganda Machinery: Online platforms and closed networks amplify narratives that frame violence as “heroic resistance” or “divine duty,” normalizing extremism over time.
In regions like Kashmir or Manipur, recurring clashes often stem from unresolved political tensions and decades of alienation, which radicals weaponize to recruit disaffected youth.
2. Communal Polarization and Identity Politics
Violence frequently escalates in areas where identity-based divisions are politicized. For instance:
- Hate Speech and Misinformation: False rumors about religious conversions, cow vigilantism, or land disputes can trigger mob violence, revealing how radical groups stoke fear to deepen divides.
- Symbolic Targets: Attacks on places of worship, cultural symbols, or minorities signal an intent to erase pluralism and establish ideological dominance.
The 2020 Delhi riots and recurring caste-based violence in states like Bihar underscore how radical factions exploit identity fractures to destabilize societies.
3. Youth Radicalization: A Time Bomb
Young populations, particularly in unemployment-stricken regions, are prime targets for radical recruiters. Violent acts committed by youth often reflect:
- Desperation and Disillusionment: With limited opportunities, marginalized groups may view radical movements as a path to relevance or financial gain.
- Digital Radicalization: Algorithms on platforms like Telegram or TikTok push extremist content, glorifying violence as a means of empowerment.
Cases like the 2022 ISIS-inspired module in Kerala highlight how tech-savvy youth are groomed online to execute attacks.
4. Global-Local Nexus
Local violence often ties into transnational extremist networks. For example:
- Funding and Training: Radical groups in India (e.g., PFI, LeT affiliates) often receive ideological or logistical support from global actors.
- Copycat Tactics: Methods like lone-wolf attacks or IED use, seen in global terror playbooks, are replicated locally, signaling cross-border radicalization flows.
5. Institutional Erosion
Persistent violence undermines trust in law enforcement and governance, creating a vacuum radicals exploit. When institutions fail to deliver justice or security, communities may turn to vigilante groups or extremist factions for protection, deepening the cycle.
The Way Forward: Beyond Policing
While security measures are critical, addressing root causes is essential:
- Counter-Narratives: Promote grassroots campaigns that debunk extremist propaganda and celebrate shared cultural heritage.
- Socio-Economic Inclusion: Invest in education, job creation, and mental health support to reduce vulnerability to radical recruiters.
- Community Dialogue: Empower interfaith councils and local leaders to mediate tensions before they escalate.
- Tech Accountability: Pressure platforms to curb hate speech while safeguarding free expression.
Violence is not merely a law-and-order issue but a mirror held up to societal fractures. Combating radicalization requires acknowledging its roots in inequality, alienation, and broken promises—and rebuilding systems that offer hope over hatred.