Clarification regarding previous CiCM

As highlighted by an avid reader of ORCA's Conversations in Chinese Media (CiCM), we wish to clarify the India Watch section of the previous CiCM from February 18^th 2024. The section initially miscommunicated that India can attempt emulating China's counter-terrorism efforts without also connecting the follow-up point of severe implications of China's actions on human rights and local culture. The phrasing of the statement causes confusion, so we have changed it to its intended meaning and are re-sharing it with you below. Any emulation, if at all, must only be limited to China's stated objectives and not its actions and thus, the section has been edited accordingly to reflect that position. We thank the reader for bringing this to our attention.

• Is China’s fight against extremism something that India could emulate? The Chinese in their fight against terrorism and separatism in the Xinjiang province,  keeping in mind long term goals, focused on training, educating rehabilitating and de-radicalising individuals who committed minor offences under the influence of extremist thoughts. In adherence to UNGA’s resolution on United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy (60/288), the priority has been to wipe out all conditions conducive to terrorism. These efforts have been reflected in the improving social indices of the region which include the generation of 1.4 million urban jobs and 8.3 million rural jobs. In 2018, tourism in Xinjiang flourished, with a 40% increase in domestic and international visitors, totalling over 150 million, and substantial rise in tourist spending to 252.2 billion yuan. On the other hand, it has led to human rights violations in terms of mass detentions and surveillance, enforced disappearances, forced labour, etc. as highlighted by several international agencies in the last few years. Further, it also has disastrous implications for local culture in Xinjiang.  

  In comparison to China’s 93^rd rank in the Global Terrorism Index (2022), India stands at the 13^th position with a score of 7.175. The primary causes of terrorism and insurgency in India are based on political, religious, ethnic, ideological, identity driven, linguistic or socio-economic grievances. However, India’s main concern in countering terrorism has been the lack of strategic doctrine, ‘kneejerk reactions’ and episodic measures post-terrorist incidents. In this regard, "India lacks a coherent strategic response to terrorism; there is no doctrine, and most of our responses are kneejerk," says retired Major General Sheru Thapliyal. Thus, India needs to have a more robust comprehensive strategy against terrorism by creating an integrated framework between central and state agencies. It also includes creating a “strategic narrative” to alleviate any doubts regarding India’s counter-terrorism efforts. Power responses can never permanently settle problems of extremism and terrorism, as the American example quite evidently shows. Alternative measures must be prioritised wherein conditions conducive to terrorism must be wiped out from the roots. Thus, India’s approach to anti-terrorism fight differs significantly from China as it does not engage in human rights abuses and thus, China’s approach cannot be emulated in India. India, therefore, needs to chart out its own path for its fight against terrorism.  

ORCA is currently hiring for a full-time Research Associate position in Delhi NCR. Interested candidates can got through the job description here.