Historians, political scientists and intelligentsia came together on a common platform at a seminar on ‘Combating Communalism and Terrorism’ on Sunday.

The thought-provoking discussion by speakers dealt with strengthening democracy to combat the forces of terror by making civil society aware of its ramifications.

Linguist and playwright, Prof Lingadevaru Halemane while describing ‘terrorism’ as international anarchy and ‘communalism’ as national anarchy said the countries that hitherto fought the menace with military means should seek alternative solutions and consider political/cultural ways to combat them.

“We have reached a situation of suicide bombers causing devastation with a objective to be heard. When the country awards the  punishments, the death penalty, here you have people willing to die to achieve their goal. It is a anti-thesis” he said.

Political class
Calling for an understanding of the roots of terrorism, Prof Lingadevaru said the political class of the country have become wiser than the common man to seek their goals. “While the conflict between India/Pakistan on the border is terrorism, the country turns a blind eye to insurgency/naxalism and describes them as internal conflicts. Instances of State governments supporting groups are well known,” Prof Lingadevaru added.

Serious challenge
Historian Prof K N Panikkar and Prof Supriya Roy Choudhary of the Institute of Social and Economic Change said terrorism with its many faces continued to pose a serious challenge to democratic forces.

“Unfortunately terrorism has come to be equated with certain group or religion. As seen in recent incidents, it is civilians that are the targets. The unemployed educated youngsters are falling prey to recruitment by ultras. More street plays and awareness on making people to know the dangers it poses are needed,” they said.

Social movement
Political analyst and peace activist Prof Praful Bidwai noted that the way terrorism was rooted in the background of either a social or political movement and demonised, clear understanding of terrorism is needed to tackle it effectively.

He also said that a study undertaken recently estimated only 40 percent of terror groups being affiliated to religious causes.