ISIS-inspired terror still a threat: NSA Doval

Emphasising that cross-border and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said on Tuesday that Ulemas have a 'vital role' to play in countering radicalisation and extremism by propagating progressive ideas and thought.

In his opening remarks at a dialogue between the Indonesian and Indian delegation of Ulema and leaders of other faiths, Doval said the cooperation of the civil society is essential in countering the threat from ISIS-inspired individual terror cells and returnees from theatres like Syria and Afghanistan.

"...both our countries have been victims of terrorism and separatism. While we have overcome the challenges to a considerable extent, the phenomenon of cross-border and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat." "Cooperation of the civil society is essential in countering the threat from ISIS-inspired individual terror cells and returnees from theatres like Syria and Afghanistan," Doval said.

Emphasising the important role of Ulema in Islamic society, Doval said the aim of the discussion is to bring together Indian and Indonesian Ulema and scholars to promote tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence which will bolster the fight against violent extremism, terrorism and radicalisation.

Urging the need to develop a common narrative on deradicalisation, Doval said in a democracy there is no place for hate speech, prejudice, propaganda, demonisation, violence, conflict and misuse of religion for narrow ends.

Drawing attention towards youths who are becoming the "primary target" of radicalisation, Doval said if their energies are nurtured in the right direction, they can become "harbingers of change" and building blocks of progress in any society.

He said we also need to counter disinformation and propaganda that can "impede peaceful co-existence" among the followers of different faiths. 

The NSA said state institutions also need to come together to detect and identify potential negative influencers and share information to counter their activities. "In this, Ulema, due to their deep connect with civil society, can play a vital role," he said.

Doval said the essence lies in disseminating positive discourse far and wide, and not merely reacting to the agenda set by inimical forces. "While technology is a blessing for humanity, it is also being misused by anti-social elements to spread hatred and for disruptive purposes. The Ulema must also be adept in the use of technology and utilise various technological solutions to thwart the evil designs of propaganda and hate," he said

Doval said Islam had emerged as a rallying point for the disadvantaged and tolerant outlook. Fissures emerged among the caliphs after the death of the Prophet on the question of legitimate heir with each faction attempting to outdo each other by espousing a more radical interpretation of Hadiths, he said.

"It is here that the Ulema have a pivotal role to play. They have a leading role in educating the people on the original tolerant and moderate principles of Islam and countering radicalisation and extremism with progressive ideas and thought," he said.