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The War on Terror - What are the implications of the "war on terror" for relations between Hindus and Muslims in India?
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Dr. Khilnani's Response:
Terrorism is a serious threat which Indians have faced now for several
decades. Domestic terrorism in India has hardly ever been caused by
Muslims acting as Muslims -- the possible exceptions are the bomb blasts
in Bombay in 1993 after the destruction of the Babri Mosque, and some of
the groups active in Kashmir. The present BJP government has used the
"war on terrorism" as a pretext to pass draconian ordinances -- such as
POTO [Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance - ed.] -- which have serious implications for civil liberties, and which
have been used mainly against Muslim organizations and individuals. The
Indian state certainly needs effective powers against the menace of
terrorism, but these must always be balanced against civil liberties.
The main threat of terrorism in India is not domestic, but comes from
across the border in Pakistan, which has been supporting terrorism in
Kashmir.
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Dr. Kak's Response:
Any lasting success of the American "war on terror" will have
beneficial implications for relations between Hindus and Muslims in
India. One element of the equation are groups which in the past decade
were aligned with the Taliban and al Qaeda. But the war on terror should
not just look at the terrorist groups. It should also address the more
fundamental questions of alienation of people. Remember, the emergence
of the Taliban is a consequence of the American war against the Soviets
in Afghanistan in the 80s.
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Dr. Kak's Rebuttal:
No comment.
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Dr. Khilnani's Rebuttal:
No comment.
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