Editorial

Compassion

By The Editor: Siddharth Sehgal

 Compassion, that’s the title of this editorial. The recent attacks at Istanbul airport and the standoff at Bangladeshi cafe testify the very lack of this value. What good or peace would come out of this carnage? The Islamic extremism is now poisoning the very countries which fostered them but how come so many youngsters who don suicide belts in hopes of uniting with virgins in heaven sees purpose in this barbarity? How does taking a life secure a terrorist’s spot in heaven?

 In countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, fundamentalism has always been encouraged as an outlet of directing country’s failures towards secular opposition, minorities and India. Everything wrong about their societies was blamed on lack of Islamic values, free and rational thinking is considered a direct threat to authority of mullahs and ulemas who see infidel in everyone who doesn’t agree with them. The brutal death of bloggers in recent years is just an external appearance of a septic wound that runs deep and long.

 Bangladesh should be a greater cause of concern for Indian authorities especially because unlike the border with Pakistan which is kept at a much tighter watch, the line of control with Bangladesh is more porous for lack of a better word and the collusion of drug mafia, smugglers and local politicians gives organizations like IS exactly what they are looking for. Recently, some eleven people were arrested from city of Hyderabad, their plan was to fan religious flames. India is a very obvious target for entities like ISIS and more collaboration is needed with Muslim community is needed, their youths are being influenced on social media, online sermons and call to attacks on infidels. The Orlando attack, Boston bombings and several others are examples of how dangerous lone wolves attacks can be. Online surveillance might help in some aspects but it won’t be effective until Muslims themselves join the fight against terrorism.

 All major religious texts and Islamic too, emphasize the sanctity of human life be it believer or non believer. A society where no other world view is tolerated is bound for destruction. Afghanistan tried it, Pakistan is on the way and Islamic state is already there but sooner or later this excess of violence will eat its own roots but its our responsibility to protect innocents from this madness. The Dhaka hostage situation has personally affected one of our Indian Periodical team member’s family. It can happen to anyone, anyone and everyone is a target, which is why we need to stand united in this fight.

3 Comments

  1. Excellent editorial. This is not only timely and but essential reading for a battered day and age.

  2. All religions lead to one goal, which is to attain peace, prosperity and goodwill towards all living and non living creatures, unfortunately it is the misinterpretation of religious texts that trigger unpleasant situations and cause disturbance in the mental frame of some maniacs who simply love to kill innocent people in the hope to attain paradise

  3. It’s very true that today terrorism has taken hold of life & shaken the very roots of existence. Lets hope & pray that it gets over soon with world unity.