Terrorism, like dog bites hand that feeds

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

At the International Conference on Countering Terrorism held in Colombo late last week Gen. (Rtd.) V. P. Malik, former chief of the Indian Army staff stressed that it is essential to use both 'hard power' as well as 'soft power' to isolate and combat terrorists' ideology.

"There is no quick solution to counter terrorism," Gen. Malik pointed out stating terrorism as a double edged weapon similar to a wicked dog which often bites the hand that feeds it.

"Any pre-meditated and unlawful act of violence against innocent people or non-combatants, irrespective of its cause and motive is nothing but terrorism," Gen. Malik added.

He further stated that the terrorist situation in South Asian region has deteriorated due to lack of political consensus, a comprehensive collective strategy, a will to implement, and adequate capacity building.

"Terrorism is neither definable within geographical boundaries nor within the traditional moulds of rationality. Terrorist groups do not owe loyalty to any national flag, religion or even ethnic society. They extinguish innocent lives as legitimate victims and seek martyrdom in suicide missions," said Gen. Malik.

Gen. Malik, addressing the distinguished gathering of intellectuals at the International Conference on Countering Terrorism held in Colombo emphasized these facts elaborating on the regional response to terrorism.

"It is true that only states that have experienced terrorism are aware of the reality of the threat," said Judge Jean-Louis Bruguiere, distinguished Chairman of the French Anti-Terrorist Judges, at the International Conference during his speech on regional response to terrorism. Judge Bruguiere is one of the most veteran figures in the world legal arena actively against terrorism.

The International Conference of Countering Terrorism, held in Colombo from 19th to 21st Oct. at the BMICH, comprised of a unique collection of international, local, regional intellectuals, acting against terrorism. The conference served as an excellent platform to discuss, debate, question and share experience for these experts of the field, such as French Judge Bruguiere, General V.P. Malik, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, Mr. Shanaka Jayasekara and many with different solid back grounds of different nature, both of civil and military.

General Malik, with a broad experience for over 42 years of service in the Indian Army said, terrorism is not just a military problem yet primarily a major socio-political problem. The former chief of the Army staff of Indiaalso holds the position as the Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee in India.

"In the counter terrorism strategy, besides checking violence, we have to isolate and combat an ideology that is irrational and not acceptable to modern society. We have to use all elements of national power; not just military but political, economic and other kind of persuasion and pressure," he stated.