Terrorism in South Asian Context

A.S.M Riad Arif: As indicated by the Global Terrorism Index 2017 the, South Asian region is dangerously affected by the impact of terrorism. Though violence and terrorism is not a new challenge for the South Asian nation. Over the last 15 years, South Asia experienced the most terrorist activities. Most of the country had to face a large scale of terrorist attacks in recent past years.
The Global terrorist groups like Al Qaeda or ISIS are expanding their network on this region. The Taliban was responsible for nearly 18,000 battle-related deaths in 2016. Afghanistan Ranked 2th and Pakistan ranked 5th in the Global Terrorist index of 2017, where India is number 8, and Bangladesh stood 21st.
There is no specific region of Terrorism. But there are some political and socio-economic components of it. Two important factors for terrorism in South Asia are Poverty and the militant religious extremism. People of this region are highly motivated by religious speech which offers Jihad. Half of the population of this region is under thirty. The unemployment rate is very high in this region. So the young are often frustrated. Political stability is an absence in most of the countries. Terrorist groups are taking this advantage. The First religious extremist groups of Bangladesh saw in 2001 by the uprising of the Jamatul Mujahidin (JMB). Though the Government is very active to control terrorism some radical local groups are there. The terror attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in July 2016 has arisen the tension Existence of Global terrorist network. Pakistan and Afghanistan is the fertile land for terrorism in this region.
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan is the haven for the terrorist groups. Pakistan Military and Government do not have any control on that area. India and Sri Lanka fight against ethnic conflicts. The socio-economic condition of this region is also a cause of terrorism. Good Governance, transparency, Strong Democracy and poverty reduction is necessary to prevent terrorism. But South Asian nations are struggling a lot to establish these all.
Though Terrorism is not a regional problem or a problem for an individual country. It’s now the most significant threat for international security all across the globe. But a regional concern is important to prevent terrorism. The geopolitical drivers associated with terrorism and ideological aims of terrorists groups. So South Asian Nation can work together for it. They may establish a joint force or develop a strategy together. The role of civil society is also essential. Government and the civil society together can improve access to Education, public health, advocating and promoting the pluralist and tolerant societies. The Education system and the curriculum can play a vital role in it.
Writer is Graduated from South Asian University, New Delhi