India gets ASEAN to counter World Wide Web of Terror

The perils of radicalisation through cyber world came to light during the terror attack in the heart of Dhaka’s diplomatic enclave in July. India is getting together with ten member countries of ASEAN for the first time to hold a cyber dialogue to counter radicalisation.

Terrorist groups like the self-proclaimed Islamic State have become increasingly sophisticated at creating dense, global networks of support online, networks that are helping these groups run virtual circles around governments and communities. This was highlighted during the Dhaka terror attack where not only one Indian lost a life, another Indian - Islamic Evangelist Zakir Naik- had been instrumental in radicalisation of the young Bangladeshis, who belonged to the elite class of the country.

“We agreed to cooperate towards addressing traditional security challenges, including in areas of de-radicalisation, prevention of violent extremism and cyber crimes. ASEAN leaders looked forward to the convening of the first ASEAN-India dialogue,” sources said. The dialogue will take place in late 2016 in New Delhi. Zakir Naik’s sermons promoting fundamentalist strain of Islam are very popular in Malaysia and Indonesia. India has also launched a probe in the role of Zakir Naik and his organisation; and the probe is being watched closely by these countries.

The internet is playing an increasingly prominent role in radicalisation, extremism and terrorism.  Terrorists use websites as sources of ideological inspiration, to contact each other and for practical purposes, such as finding manuals on how to make explosives. The Islamic State has proven relentless in its violent campaign to rule and has aggressively promoted its hateful message, attracting like-minded extremists.

India has been seeking a concerted effort to counter terrorism and radicalisation at all international platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Laos to attend the ASEAN summit, also tried to impress upon the member states on the threat posed by terrorism.

The countries have acknowledged terrorism as a significant threat to peace and stability in the region and have lent support to India’s efforts to have a universally accepted definition of Terrorism at the United Nations. “In addition, ASEAN and India support the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) currently under negotiation at the UN,” sources said. India has revived its two decade old proposal of CCIT and will be pushing for its adoption at the UN General Assembly this month.

India is said to have completed a draft taking into account objections of the three main opposition blocs: the US, the Organisation of Islamic Countries and the Latin American countries. The original draft that was tabled in 1996 and discussed until April 2013 will give a universal definition of terrorism, will make it imperative for all 193-members of the UNGA to adopt it in their own criminal law, and clamp down on all terror groups camps without distinction between good and bad terrorists.

Salute the BRAVEHEARTS: Who fought in 1962 despite all odds

India of 2012 different from 1962: Antony

New Delhi, October 18: Two days before the 50^th anniversary of the 1962 India-China War, Defence Minister AK Antony on Thursday joined the ranks of the top brass of the Indian Armed Forces in assuring the country that the country was “capable” of defending itself.

Antony is the senior most in the Indian defence establishment on Thursday made it clear that even though the infrastructure in the North East left a lot to be desired, India of 2012 was not same as the India of 1962.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Naval Commanders’ Conference, Antony said: “Infrastructure in the North-east is not up to our satisfaction but it has improved a lot as compared to the past...India of 2012 is not India of that period. We are now capable of defending every inch of our country.”

Earlier this month on October 5, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne had said that during 1962 it was a mistake to keep away the Indian Air Force (IAF) from the action and added: “There will be no such limitation this time. The IAF will play a leading role not just against that or any other sector but anywhere." Prior to him, Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh had said: “I am assuring the nation as the Army chief that 1962 will not be repeated... No way. We have plans in place on all borders to safeguard our country's territorial integrity.''

The Indian defence establishment was against developing infrastructure in the mountainous terrain along the Indo-China border as it will make Chinese progression into the Indian Territory impossible. However, this myth was broken after 1962 when the Chinese troops came deep inside and Indian troops suffered humiliating defeat at their hands.

Since 1962 China has been occupying nearly 38,000 sq kms of land in Jammu and Kashmir and under the “so called China-Pakistan ‘Boundary Agreement’ of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China”.

“Earlier India had not focussed on enhancing infrastructure in northeastern states. But, now we have moved very fast. Now our infrastructure assets and manpower have substantially improved compared to the past,” the Defence Minister said.

“On the one side we are strengthening our capability in the border on the other side we have established a border management mechanism with china that is now functioning satisfactorily,” he added.

India and China share unresolved dispute over border. According to Indian establishment, in the eastern sector, China illegally claims approximately 90,000 sq. km. of Indian Territory in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. China has been building up infrastructure in the border areas and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) at a feverish pitch and has managed to bring road and railway tracks right up to the border. But the Indian infrastructure development like road construction and raising of new mountain strike corps are progressing at a snail pace.

1962 will not be repeated: General Bikram Singh

When reminded that it has been the 50th year since Indo-China war, the Army Chief on Wednesday assured the country that a repeat of 1962 will not be allowed to happen again.

Officers from Indian and Chinese Army at the Nathu La border during Indian Independence Day celebrations this year

“No it will not happen,” General Singh said categorically when asked if 50 years after the humiliating defeat at the hands of the Chinese Army, Indian Army was better prepared. “Dushman ko apne watan ke bheetar ghusane nahi denge (We will not allow enemy to enter our country),” he added firmly.

The Army Chief asserted that the Indian Army was augmenting its capabilities but it is not country specific. “I am assuring the nation as Chief of Army Staff that 1962 will not be repeated,” the Army Chief said when reminded that next month is the 60th anniversary of the war. “That's the assurance I am giving. Plans are afoot on all borders,” he said.

Asked about the presence of Chinese soldiers in the POK region, he accepted that there was information which suggested their presence, but he said: “We are told they are there to give protections to some of the Chinese projects. Some railway, roads and hydel projects are underway and Chinese soldiers are giving them protection. But we have conveyed our concern to them.”

Chinese Defence Minister Gen Liang Guanglie had said earlier this month during his visit to India that Peoples Liberation Army never deployed its troops in POK.