Terrorism, a political weapon

Although the National Development Front (NDF), had been the target of suspicion, its leaders have denied any involvement in terrorism. The NDF chairman E Aboobacker said they had no links with terrorist groups. “Those who are found indulging in acts of terrorism will have no place in the NDF,” he said.

Strangely, political parties are mute in their response to the threat. The government is confused about how to deal with the situation.

The IndianUnion Muslim League (IUML), representing the bulk of the Muslim minorities, could be the loser in the long run in case the blasts divide the communities further. The party’s working committee meeting here on April 4, which will debate election results and the new national political situation, will hopefully deal with the developments and their impact on the communal situation in Kerala.

The IUML general secretary Korambayil Ahammed Haji said that terrorism could not resolve political issues. He stressed the need for a campaign in cooperation with other secular parties to keep people vigilant against extremism in politics.

The CPM State conference, in January, did not take note of the growing tension in society and failed to adopt a resolution calling people to fight against political adventurism of communal forces. A CPM leader said he felt there was no change in the considered position of the CPM on communal issues. But some sections in the CPM were critical about a resolution adopted by the Kozhikodedistrict conference of the party, dubbing all religious groups as communal.

It is hoped that the CPM State unit, now firmly under the leadership of V S Achuthanandan, will face the challenge of terrorism. It was felt that Muslim sections like the Mujahids, the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Samastha Kerala Sunni Ulema should fight terrorism from minority groups.

However, CPM should be willing to join hands with religious sections and parties like the Muslim League in fighting terrorism and sectarian politics.