Mains Marathon

• Start your answer by defining radicalization and how it is posing threat to internal security.
• Discuss the major issues related to radicalization.
• Conclude your answer by suggesting measures to de-radicalise the society.

Answer

The word “radical” refers to change in the fundamental nature of something, thus Radicalism is set of beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.

Radicalisation refers to the process of an individual’s transformation from a moderate, law-abiding citizen into an active, anti-state, violent extremist. Recently, there has been in an increase in radicalisation events in case of India as many of the youth are falling in trap of obnoxious philosophy and ideology and taking recourse to violent means and hence posing a serious threat to the security of India.

Factors/Issues with Radicalisation

• Individual socio-psychological factors, which include grievances and emotions such as alienation and exclusion, anger and frustration and a strong sense of injustice.
• Socio-Economic Factors, which include social exclusion, marginalisation and discrimination (real or perceived), limited education or employment etc.
• Political Factors, which include weak and non-participatory political systems lacking good governance and regard for civil society.
• Social media, which provide connectivity, virtual participation and an echo-chamber for like-minded extremist views, accelerates the process of radicalisation.

Forms of Radicalism in India

• Politico-Religious Radicalism: It is associated with a political interpretation of religion and the defence, by violent means, of a religious identity perceived to be under attack.
  Use of Religion by ISIS to spread its influence all over the world is an example.
• Right-Wing Radicalism: It is a form of radicalization associated with fascism, racialism/racism, supremacism and ultranationalism.
• Left Wing Radicalism: This form of radicalization focuses primarily on anti-capitalist demands and calls for the transformation of political systems considered responsible for producing social inequalities, and that may ultimately employ violent means to further its cause.

Steps to Tackle Radicalism

• A consistent counter radical strategy is required to tackle radicalism.
• Institutions have to be strengthened: Educational and political institutions should be strengthened at ground level so that people of any state feel empowered. Also, enough number of job opportunities should be provided to people to decrease their chances of joining any radicalist organization.
• There should be sufficient evidence behind banning any organization. This is necessary to avoid court cases. Also, Intelligence Agencies, Law Enforcement Agencies and Judicial Courts need to act in unison on this matter.
• Once the government identifies any radicalist organization, it needs to take hold of their physical and financial resources.
• Countering activities of radicalists: If hate can be taught, then love and social responsibilities toward people and the nation can also be taught. This is necessary to de-radicalize people.
• Inter religious community meets can be organized time to time and religious Gurus from various communities can play a bigger role in rational appeal.
• It needs to be ensured that people who been de-radicalized feel safe and secure in the country.