Army takes steps to stop radicalization of youth The Statesman 18 Feb 2020
https://epaper.thestatesman.com/2558010/Kolkata-The-Statesman/18TH-FEBRUARY-2020#page/7/2
Army takes steps to stop radicalization of youth 18 Feb 2020
During the Def Expo 2020 in Lucknow, in an interview with News 18, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, clarified on his earlier comments of the Raisina Dialogue, ‘Why must you allow a person to be radicalized and then deradicalize them?’ He added, ‘Why do we run Goodwill Schools? I am preventing some of these children from going adrift and getting radicalized. So, you might call it deradicalization, but I would say it is preventive radicalization.’
Goodwill schools have been the target of criticism by the Hurriyat. They have repeatedly asked their followers to withdraw children from army Goodwill schools and place them in Madrassas. This was because these schools were places where radicalization would never occur. The only schools which the Hurriyat or its backers could never damage nor burn were Goodwill schools. They were fearful that these schools would make children understand the exploitation which Pakistan and they was resorting to.
Radicalization of youth was being undertaken by multiple agencies working in tandem. In a recent case, the separatists attempted to exploit the death of a Kashmiri youth, killed in a brawl in Jaipur, to instigate locals. Farooq Abdullah, Omar and Mehbooba Mufti regularly radicalized youth by announcing that any action of tampering Kashmir’s status would lead to a bloodbath. They incited youth into violence against the state.
Pakistan and Imams in the valley have attempted radicalization employing a volatile mix of Jihad and religion. With local administrative machinery on defensive due to militancy, it was solely the security forces, which were campaigning against radicalization. Since their reach went to grassroot levels, they were most aware of what were the shortcomings and how to overcome them. They worked in tandem to change local mindset.
Multiple actions taken by security agencies over the years have helped partially reverse radicalization. There has been greater progress since restrictions on the internet and social media were imposed as it denied Pakistan these tools. This was supported by detention of political leaders. None of these steps involved locking population into deradicalization camps but engaging with them and their families.
One major step of preventive radicalization has been Sadbhavana tours. This involves taking youth from different parts to the valley to cities across the country. Some groups interact with the President of India and the army chief. It enables them to understand how the nation has developed and the future of Kashmir, once peace reigns. The army also sent a group of youth, who were caught attempting to cross into Pakistan, on a Sadbhavana tour. It changed their mindset.
In recent times, Imams from mosques have been sent on similar tours. They interact with other Imams and as the CDS stated in the same interview, ‘You wanted them to see various ‘masjids’ in Delhi and Lucknow. You showed them this and said, ‘yaha bhi aapke jaise maulvi hai. Aap suno unko. Aap kya kar rahe the?’
In remote parts of the state the army provides medical cover to the local population. In peak winters, army personnel have carried the sick across large distances on stretchers to save lives. It has made the population realise that the army is not against them but for their own welfare. During floods and natural calamities, the army remains the first responder.
Local militants, trapped in encounters, are requested to surrender rather than being eliminated. In many cases, their family members have been brought to convince them to lay down arms. While some have criticised the action, it has had its impact and anger towards the army for killing those who have picked the gun has reduced.
In recent days the Corps Commander of 15 Corps, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon under ‘Operation Maa’ has been requesting mothers to convince their sons against falling for Pak propaganda and taking up arms. He has even promised that those who wish to return, ‘the army will ensure their safety and security and help them to get back into the mainstream.’ He stated, ‘Request all mothers of Kashmir to tell their sons to surrender and get back. Anyone who has picked up the gun will be killed and eliminated unless he surrenders.’ It has helped reduce numbers of youth picking up the gun.
The army acts as a link between the administration and the local public in many regions. Failure to obtain their dues in the form of Kerosene or other subsidies, locals approach the army for help. The army then pushes the administration to act and ensure deliveries. In times of crises, the army shares its meagre resources with the local population.
Another preventive radicalization action has been the conduct of sports and cultural competitions. In a region where terrorism has led to almost no entertainment and activities to divert young minds, the army has come forward to create the diversion and enhance local skills. Sports and cultural competitions are held in areas where terrorism exists and have been major successes. Not one event has been marred by terrorism or an untoward incident.
The army’s super 30 program in preparing students for the JEE mains has been a success and many from the program have joined prestigious professional engineering colleges in India. As a veteran from the region stated, ‘The result gives a clear indication that students from J and K have the capacity to compete with the best in the country and come out victorious.’ In its latest, the army conducted a smart phone film making and screenplay writing course for the youth in collaboration with Film and Television Institute of India, opening new avenues for them.
While internal elements within the state seek to radicalize youth, it is the security forces, spearheaded by the army, which counters them. Their task is not easy but has made slow and steady progress. The results are now visible as violence levels are down by over 60% and youth picking the gun have dropped drastically from 14 per month prior to Aug 2019 to 5 per month post that period.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army