Recent Growth of Terrorism in South Asia

Abstract

Terrorism has a history of about two centuries. But terrorist activities have been reported in at unprecedented level during the last three decades. After September 11 th attack world community accepted terrorism as terrorism an international menace. Several terrorist activities have been reported in the post colonial period in South Asia. Those activities can be classified as; • Terrorist activities based on ethnic tribal / tribal disparities • Terrorist activities based on revolutionary or ideological violence Two decades ago, terrorism posed no serious threat to the security of South Asia. Most secessionist movements based on ethnic disparities have developed into terrorist movements in the last two decades, in India , Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Recent insurgencies in Nepal can be identified as a terrorist movement based on revolutionary or ideological violence. Most of South Asian ‘s terrorist movements are based on religious fundamentalism. Islamic fundamentalism is the ideological base of most terrorist movements in India Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is clearly seen that ‘Al Quida’ plays a major role in these movements. These terrorist organizations are involved in narcotics smugglings and secret trade in arms and ammunition under the guise of raising funds and expansion of their power. SAARC leaders signed a declaration called SAARC regional convention on suppression of terrorism in Katmandu 1987.