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Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 2 October 2010 Regional CentRe foR StRategiC StudieS Regional Workshop for Police Officers and Prosecutors in South Asia on Effectively Countering Terrorism T he RCSS, along with the Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, Washington, D.C., organized a Regional Workshop for Police Officers and Prosecutors in South Asia on Effectively Countering Terrorism. The workshop was co-hosted by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in association with the Government of Sri Lanka, with financial support of the Governments of Australia and Canada. The three- day workshop from 8 to 10 June 2010 provided an unconventional forum for senior-level police officers and prosecutors to consider specific issues that arise in counter-terrorism cases. Participants considered steps to strengthen international cooperation in investigations and prosecution, including the possibility of developing a joint regional training mechanism. Participants at the workshop included police and prosecutors from all eight member States of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Their discussions were facilitated with input from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Marshals Service. The SAARC Secretariat also participated as an observer. The Colombo workshop builds on an earlier workshop held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 8 to 10 November 2009. These meetings are part of a series of workshops, which aim to develop discussion among police, prosecutors and the judiciary on how to counter terrorism effectively in South Asia. The third workshop in the series will be held in Indonesia. At the Colombo workshop, the police participating in the discussion focused primarily on methods of terrorist financing, including, connections to organized crime, while prosecutors focused on measures to strengthen witness protection. Both groups also discussed the central role of fair treatment, due process and human rights in the process of countering terrorism. Broader goals of the process are to enhance the technical expertise of law enforcement officials in the South Asia region; promote cross-border working relationships necessary to counter terrorism effectively; lay the foundation for improved regional counterterrorism cooperation; and support the continued growth and development of South Asia. 1

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Page 1: Regional Workshop for Police Officers and Prosecutors in ... Oct 2010.pdfforum for senior-level police officers and prosecutors to ... Workshop on “Verified Dismantlement of Retired

Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 2 October 2010

Regional CentRe foR StRategiC StudieS

Regional Workshop for Police Officers and Prosecutors in South Asia on Effectively Countering Terrorism

The RCSS, along with the Center on Global C o u n t e r t e r r o r i s m

Cooperation, Washington, D.C., organized a Regional Workshop for Police Officers and Prosecutors in South Asia on Effectively Countering Terrorism. The workshop was co-hosted by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in association with the Government of Sri Lanka, with financial support of the Governments of Australia and Canada. The three-day workshop from 8 to 10 June 2010 provided an unconventional forum for senior-level police officers and prosecutors to consider specific issues that arise in counter-terrorism cases. Participants considered steps to strengthen international cooperation in investigations and prosecution, including the possibility of developing a joint regional training mechanism.

Participants at the workshop included police and prosecutors from all eight member States of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperat ion (SAARC). Their discussions were facilitated with input from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Marshals Service. The SAARC Secretariat also participated as an observer.

The Colombo workshop builds on an earlier workshop held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 8 to 10 November 2009. These meetings are part of a series of workshops, which aim to develop discussion among police, prosecutors and the judiciary on how to counter terrorism effectively

in South Asia. The third workshop in the series will be held in Indonesia. At the Colombo workshop, the police participating in the discussion focused primarily on methods of terrorist financing, including, connections to organized crime, while prosecutors focused on measures to strengthen witness protection. Both groups also discussed the central role of fair treatment, due process and human rights in the process of countering terrorism.

Broader goals of the process are to enhance the technical expertise of law enforcement officials in the South Asia region; promote cross-border working relationships necessary to counter terrorism effectively; lay the foundation for improved regional counterterrorism cooperation; and support the continued growth and development of South Asia.

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Workshop on “Verified Dismantlement of Retired Short Range Ballistic Missiles: The South Asian Context”

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RCSS, in col laborat ion wi th the Center for Global Security Research, organized a workshop titled “Verified

Dismantlement of Retired Short Range Ballistic Missiles: The South Asian Context” which was held from 15-16 September 2010, in Colombo. The workshop was the second part of a project to assess how the dismantlement of designated short range ballistic missiles (SRBM) can enhance strategic stability in South Asia. The first part of the project involved convening a group of international experts to review the

history of nuclear capable missile elimination around the world and its effects on regional stability. The second workshop was attended by a core group of experts from Pakistan and India as well as technical experts in missile dismantlement and verification from outside the region. The objective of the workshop was to draft a plan for mutual and verified dismantlement of retired missile systems and to convey it to official circles in India and Pakistan.

Workshop on “Verified Dismantlement of Retired Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM): The South Asian Context”

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RCSS convened a meeting of its International Research Committee

(IRC) on 7 October 2010, in Colombo. IRC provides policy inputs on research, collaboration, networking and other substantive programmes implemented by the Centre. Prof. Ataur Rahman from Bangladesh, Prof. Shen Dingli from China, Dr. P. Sahadevan from India, Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey from Nepal, Prof. Talat Wizarat and Dr. Riffat Hussain from Pakistan, and Prof. Neluka Silva from Sri Lanka were the IRC members who were present at this meeting. Two members

from the Board of Directors, namely Prof. Pervaiz Cheema and Prof. R.A. Ariyaratna (as special invitees) and Prof. Amal Jayawardane, Executive Director, also participated in the meeting.

ED briefed the participants about the activities undertaken by the Centre since the last IRC Meeting held in 2008. The participants appreciated the considerable amount of work accomplished by the Centre during this period. Among the important issues discussed at the meeting were: fund-raising strategies; revival of summer and winter workshops; Shelton

Kodikara Awards; new areas for research; publications; internship programme; the creation of a pool of researchers affiliated to RCSS; and the nomination of new members to the IRC. Following the conclusion of the IRC meeting, a joint meeting of the IRC and the Board of Directors was also held in order to apprise the board members of the discussions that took place in the morning and afternoon sessions. Dr. John Gooneratna and Mr. M.D.D. Peiris also joined the discussion in their capacity as the members of the Board of Directors.

Meeting of the International Research Committee of RCSS

Members of the International Research Committee

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A South Asian regional r o u n d t a b l e t i t l e d

“Promoting People to People Interaction through SAARC” was held in Kathmandu, Nepal from July 14-16, 2010. It was organized by the Centre for South Asian Studies (CSAS), in collaboration with the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS) and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). It was decided at the Regional Steering Group (RSG) meeting in March 2010 to hold this roundtable in Kathmandu as it is home to the SAARC Secretariat.

E m i n e n t a c a d e m i c s , diplomats and experts on SAARC issues from South Asia as well as Mr. Darynell Rodriguez Torres, Representative of the GPPAC from The Hague, participated in the roundtable. Mr. Nishchal N. Pandey, Director of the CSAS, hosted a reception in honour of the delegates at the Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu, which saw Ambassadors from SAARC countries represented in Kathmandu, Director from the SAARC Secretariat, civil society leaders and journalists attending. It provided an opportunity for participants to exchange views

in an informal setting. During the inaugural

session, Executive Director of RCSS Prof. Amal Jayawardane spoke of the importance of GPPAC’s peacebu i ld ing activities especially through engaging with regional inter-governmental organizations such as SAARC and hoped that this initiative would enable more interaction with the organization in the future. Well known Nepali journalist and Editor of Nepali Times weekly Mr. Kunda Dixit shed light on the shortcomings of SAARC despite 25 years of existence and elaborated on militarized and overly security conscious governmental regulations of the

region. Mr. Dixit pointed out the need of a borderless region wherein people, ideas and goods can travel freely. He said that from an airplane, it is only the Indo-Pak border which is visible at night due to the lighting of the border walls and fences recently done. Participants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka as well as from Nepal highlighted the importance of promoting track II and track III approaches and initiatives in South Asia which would be a big step forward towards achieving a customs union, common currency, South Asian Economic Union and even a South Asian parliament as envisaged by the people of SAARC.

GPPAC Activities

Regional Roundtable on ‘Promoting People to People interaction through SaaRC’

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To c o m m e m o r a t e t h e International Day of Peace,

RCSS, in collaboration with the South Asia Free Media Association - Sri Lanka Chapter, conducted a workshop titled “Media- Post War Priorities for Peace and Development.” The workshop was held on 25 and 26 September 2010 in Colombo at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. About 30 local journalists participated in the workshop. The proceedings were conducted in Tamil and Sinhalese, and focused on the media and reporting in the post-conflict environment. The resource persons of the workshop included prominent Sri Lankan journalists and academics such as Ms. Shamini Boyle, Mr. Shan Wijetunga and Dr. S.I Keethaponcalan. Aspects such as investigative journalism

and media ethics were also focused upon. The workshop also included group exercises and discussions on media reporting and peacebuilding. Certificates were awarded to participants who completed the two day workshop. As an extension of the workshop, the organizers also announced that a competition will be held to select two participants (one each

in the Sinhala and Tamil media) who publish the best news article pertaining to peacebuilding and post-conflict developments. Four consolation prizes (two each from Sinhala and Tamil media) will also be awarded. The article has to be published within the month of October 2010 and the winners will be announced in November 2010.

Workshop Participants

On 16 July the participants visited the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and Pacific under the Office for Disarmament Affairs and acquired information on the activities of the Centre. Mr. Tajiro Kimura, Director of the Centre made a presentation on the objectives and planned activities of the Centre in the

coming months. Participants suggested that since this is a regional office, there could be collaborative programs u n d e r t a k e n w i t h t h e i r institutions and universities which would be beneficial to the UNPRCD as well.

The participants also visited the SAARC Secretariat and held discussions with Director of SAARC Mr. Niranjan Man Singh Basnyat. They acquired information on the Thimpu

Summit and areas wherein the SAARC Secretariat has been working with the civil society representatives and think-tanks across the region. They also visited the Secretariat’s library and promised to send books and journals from their respective institutes and universities regularly to the library which is a common resource center for South Asian researchers, academics, and students.

Media Workshop to Commemorate the international day of Peace

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Th i s w o r k s h o p w a s o r g a n i z e d b y t h e

Program on Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (PPSCR), Department of International Relations Univers i ty of Karachi (UOK), in collaboration with the Regional Center for Strategic Studies (RCSS) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) in the Hague, Netherlands.

Among the participants were Prof. Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh; Prof. Amal Jayewardene, Executive Director, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies; Dr. William Tsuma, Program Manager Prevention Action, GPPAC/ECCP, The Netherlands; Prof. R.A. Ariyaratne, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies; and Prof. Dr Moonis Ahmar, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi and Member, Regional Steering Group, GPPAC.

The issues covered by speakers and participants of the meeting included: militancy and terrorism; ethnic and class based conflicts; religious, caste, and sectarian conflicts; gender and youth based tensions; lack of good governance; election and post election violence; environmental pollution and health related issues; human rights violations; and the problems of Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The meeting after extensive discussion and deliberation concluded that the growing social and political issues in South Asia need

to be addressed through the establishment of a EWER system in South Asia, a mechanism that aims to alert and caution state authorities and societal forces to cope with man-made disasters in order to reduce human sufferings, causalities and ordeal.

The meeting in its concluding session gave several findings and recommendations for the establishment of EWER system in South Asia. It suggested the formulation of Regional Action Plan for EWER to deal with social and political issues. The meeting also suggested that proper awareness of EWER should be created among the youth by including such themes in the syllabi of students in schools, colleges and universities since youth are the most vulnerable segment of the society and are the most susceptible to extremism and militancy. The meeting also suggested that marginalized social groups such as minorities and women be empowered to handle the challenges of violent conflicts in society in an effective manner.

Planning workshop on “early Warning, early Response” (eWeR) – 1 october 2010 in Karachi

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Workshop on Peace education 30-31 october 2010 - new delhi, india

Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP), in partnership

with the GPPAC South Asia Secretariat, conducted a Peace Education Workshop titled “Enriching Democratic Practice in South Asia: Possibilities from the Field of Peacebuilding,” in New Delhi, India, from 30-31 October 2010. Delivering the Inaugural Lecture titled “Democracy and Peacebuilding,” Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath, Founder and Honorary Director of WISCOMP, highlighted the importance of civil society in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

The workshop sessions focused on issues

such as democracy and peacebuilding; the theoretical aspects as well as the practical application of peacebuilding strategies and approaches; spirituality and peacebuilding; and peacebuilding skills such as dialogue and negotiation. The workshop targeted graduate and undergraduate students who have a background in peacebuilding. The 56 participants who were selected for the workshop were from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Uganda and the USA. The workshop was also attended by Ms. Nadeeka Withana, the Regional Liaison Officer for GPPAC South Asia.

Participants of the Peace Education Workshop

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CoSatt (Consortium of South asian think tanks) dialogue

The Executive Director attended the third meeting of the COSATT project held in

Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 12-13 April 2010, jointly organized by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. The second publication of COSAAT, a result of its collaborative research for 2009, was launched on this occasion. Countering Ter ro r i sm: Bu i ld ing a Common Approach in SAARC (edited by Maj Gen Dipankar Banerjee, D. Suba Chandran and Devyani Srivastava) contains the country papers on the nature of terrorist threats and counter terrorism policies of the SAARC countries written by Major General Muniruzzaman, Nischal Pandey, D. Suba Chandran, Rashid Ahmad Khan, and Amal Jayawardane. In addition to the book, a Policy Brief, containing recommendations on measures to strengthen the SAARC counter terrorism regime was also released. This outline of measures recommended for action contained 22 specific recommendations for collective action by the Heads of State and Governments of SAARC countries. This document was submitted to the SAARC Secretariat prior to the SAARC Summit scheduled to be held in Bhutan towards the end of April 2010.

Working group meeting of RnSSC-neSa, held in istanbul, turkey

Regional Network of Strategic Studies Centers (RNSSC) of the National Defence University,

Washington, D.C. convened a meeting of the Civil-Military Relations Working Group in Istanbul, Turkey from 8-10 June 2010. RCSS is a member of the NESA working groups set up to discuss a wide range of issues that figure prominently in the regional security domain. The goal of the Network is to promote interaction at the regional level by providing a forum for informed discussion of security challenges of mutual interest, developing and disseminating collaboratively developed research leading to published analysis. Ten countries in the region were represented at the meeting by thirteen members selected by strategic studies centres of their respective countries. At this meeting, the country paper on Sri Lanka was presented by Professor R.A. Ariyaratne, Director, RCSS.

global Strategic Review conference

The 8th IISS Global Strategic Review (GSR) Conference was held in Geneva from 11 -14

September 2010. The theme of the conference was: “Global Security Governance and the Emerging Distribution of Power.” Dr. Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, delivered the keynote Address on “Power and Shifts of Security.” A meeting of Center Directors of the RNSSC was convened following the conclusion of the IISS Global Strategic Review. The Executive Director Prof. Amal Jayawardane represented RCSS at these meetings.

iiC 2010 Congress

Mrs. Kamani Perera, Librarian of RCSS, attended the IIC 2010 Congress organized

by the International Institute for Conservation of Historical and Artistic Works (IIC), UK, in partnership with the Sakıp Sabancı Museum. The Congress was held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 20 - 24

September, 2010.

Other Meetings Attended by Directors and RCSS Staff

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New Publications RCSS Policy Studies 48

Understanding Suicide Terrorism in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

S.Y. Surendra Kumar and Mostafa Mahmud naser

Countering terrorism has been a major challenge facing the international community in the contemporary world. Among the various methods used by terrorist groups to terrorise populations, suicide attacks remain a favoured tactic due to its high lethality and far reaching psychological impact. A number of South Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have suffered from such attacks for over three decades. Over the past few years, the frequency and intensity of suicide attacks have increased in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and to some extent in Bangladesh. Thus, combating suicide terrorism has become a major challenge for South Asian countries.

This study focuses exclusively on Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which have at times witnessed a high degree of militancy which is now on the verge of decline. The study examines the patterns of suicide bombings in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; identifies the modus operandi pertaining to suicide attacks as well as the recruitment of potential suicide bombers; analyzes what factors may have motivated individuals to become suicide bombers; and critically examines the means adopted by the respective governments and security forces to tackle suicide terrorism both on a strategic and tactical level. This monograph would be useful for those interested or engaged in research on suicide terrorism in general and South Asia in particular.

RCSS Policy Studies 49

Democracy as a Conflict Resolution Model for Terrorism: A Case Study of India and Pakistan

Sasmita tripathy and Saeed ahmed Rid

After the events of September 11, 2001, there has been an intense debate both in the academic and policy-making circles on whether the democratic system of governance helps prevent terrorism or rather facilitates an environment conducive to terrorism. This book critically analyses this debate, adds to the theoretical and policy discourses and investigates the effectiveness of democracy for preventing or countering terrorism by looking at the experiences of India and Pakistan.

RCSS Policy Studies 48

S. Y. Surendra Kumar and Mostafa Mahmud Naser

RCSS

In the contemporary world, one of the major challenges facing the international community is countering the menace of terrorism. One of the prominent and intensifying trends in recent times has been that of the Suicide Terrorism. In this regard, South Asia is no different as countries like Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been victims of violent suicide attacks. The rate of attacks has significantly intensified in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and to certain extent Bangladesh. Thus, combating suicide terrorism has become a major challenge for South Asian countries. This study focuses exclusively on Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which at times witnessed a high degree of militancy and as on now is on verge of declining. The study examines the pattern of suicide bombing in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; identifies the guiding factors for terrorists to adopt suicide tactics and recruit bombers; analyzes the motivating factors for the bombers to take up this difficult task; and has critically examined the means adopted by the governments and security forces to counter suicide bombers and the broad lessons that both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh can learn from each other in combating suicide terrorism. This monograph will be useful for those interested or engaged in research on Suicide Terrorism in general and South Asia in particular.

S.Y. Surendra Kumar is Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Bangalore University, Bangalore, INDIA.Mostafa Mahmud Naser is Assistant Professor, Department of Law, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

RegioNal CeNtRe foR StRategiC StudieS410/27 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka

understanding Suicide terrorism in Bangladesh and Sri lanka

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On India, this book examines whether the country’s secular democratic tradition has actually helped diminish or further contributed to the creation of terrorist groups. It further explores whether the strengthening of India’s democratic system can help counter terrorism and prevent it in the future. The case study of Pakistan covers the Taliban and Al-Qaeda in FATA and Swat as well as the nationalist militancy in Balochi

The comparative study, Democracy as a Conflict Resolution Model for Terrorism: A Case Study of India and Pakistan, would be a standard reference not only for political scientists and strategic analysts but also for policy makers, diplomats, journalists, defence personnel, and the informed general reader.

RCSS Policy Studies 50

Extremism in Pakistan and India: The Case of Jamaat-e-Islami and Shiv Sena

Rajeshwari Balasubramaniam and Zahid Shahab ahmed

A serious challenge to most political systems was witnessed in the 1980s and 90s with the emergence and prominence of extremist organizations and political parties. Similarly, in the context of South Asia, Pakistan, and India have had to grapple with a serious problem of right-wing extremism since the last three decades. The focus of this study is exclusively on two political parties, the Shiv Sena of India and the Jamaat-e-Islami of Pakistan with the aim of understanding the extremist political ideology adopted by them. The main objective of the study is to analyze the existence, growth and mode of operations of right-wing organizations in two different political environments (i.e. military dominance in Pakistan, and sustained democratic tradition in India), their impact on societies in the two countries, the challenges posed and possibilities created by these parties and explore the ways and means to curb the growing influence of right-wing extremist groups. Finally, the attempt has been to present a South Asian perspective on the subject.

RCSS Policy Studies 49

Sasmita Tripathyand Saeed Ahmed Rid

RCSS

After 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, there has been an intense debate both in the academic and policy-making circles about whether democracy can work as a conflict resolution model for terrorism or not. This book critically analyses this debate, adds to the theoretical and policy discourses and investigates the effectiveness of democracy as a conflict resolution model for terrorism in the light of India and Pakistan’s experiences. India, the world’s largest democracy, facing multiple terrorist challenges is selected for a case study along with Pakistan, the frontline state and the country which has suffered the most deaths in the war against terrorism after Iraq and Afghanistan.On India, this book examines whether the country’s secular democratic experience since its independence in 1947 has actually contributed to less or more terrorism at home and abroad and to what extent, the deepening and strengthening of India’s democracy can solve its present and future terrorism problem. It concludes that although ‘democratic methods yield the most enduring solutions to even the most intractable problems’, India has to prove that its democracy can deliver good governance, justice and development opportunities to all.The case study of Pakistan covers the Taliban and Al-Qaeda led terrorism in FATA and Swat and the nationalist militancy in Balochistan. The book probes whether military rule in Pakistan was a part of the solution in controlling the surge of terrorism in FATA and Balochistan, or it was a part of the problem. It also examines whether democracy can work as a conflict-resolution model for terrorism in FATA and Balochistan and suggests what type of democratic reforms are required for democracy to work as a conflict resolution model for terrorism in FATA and Balochistan. The only full-length comparative study, Democracy as a Conflict Resolution Model for Terrorism: A Case Study of India and Pakistan will be a standard reference not only for political scientists and strategic analysts but also for policy makers, diplomats, journalists, defence personnel and the informed general reader.Sasmita Tripathy is presently doing her Ph.D in the Centre of West Asian Studies, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. Her area of interest includes terrorism and India’s policy towards Palestine. Saeed Ahmed Rid is currently pursuing his PhD in Peace Studies department at the University of Bradford, UK as a Commonwealth Scholar. He is a lecturer at the National Institute of Pakistan Studies (NIPS), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

RegionAl CenTRe foR STRATegiC STudieS410/27 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka

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RCSS Policy Studies 50

Zahid Shahab AhmedandRajeshwari Balasubramanian

RCSS

A serious challenge to most political systems was witnessed in the 1980s and 90s with the emergence and prominence of extremist organizations and political parties. Similarly, in the context of South Asia, Pakistan and India have had to grapple with a serious problem of right-wing extremism since the last three decades.

The focus of this study is exclusively on two political parties, the Shiv Sena of India and the Jamaat-e-Islami of Pakistan with the aim of understanding the extremist political ideology adopted by them. The main objective of the study is to analyze the existence, growth and mode of operations of right-wing organizations in two different political environments (i.e. predominantly military supremacy in Pakistan, and democratic India), its impact on societies in the two countries, the challenges posed and possibilities created by these parties and explore the ways and means to curb the growing infl uence of right-wing extremist groups. Finally, the attempt has been to bring forward a South Asian perspective on the subject.

Since June 2008, Zahid Shahab Ahmed of Pakistan is a PhD scholar at the University of New England (Australia) specializing in the area of political and international studies. Rajeshwari Balasubramanian is currently working as an Associate Consultant with Child Rights and You (CRY, India).

REGIONAL CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES68/1, Sarasavi Lane (off Castle Street), Colombo 08, Sri Lanka

Extremism in Pakistan and India: The Case of the Jamaat-e-Islami and Shiv Sena

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RCSS b id s f a r ewe l l t o Ambassador Geetha De Silva who ended her three year tenure recently as Associate Director at RCSS. She has since joined the RCSS Membership and will continue to be associated with the Centre. She can be contacted by e-mail [email protected]. RCSS extends its sincere thanks to Amb. De Silva for the valuable services she rendered and wishes her every success in all her future endeavours.

RCSS also bids farewell to Ms. Gayathri Nanayakkara who relinquished her duties as the RLO-SA of GPPAC. RCSS extends its

sincere thanks to Ms. Nanayakkara for her valuable contribution to the organization, first as its Programme Officer from 2005 till March 2010 and then as the Regional Liaison Officer – South Asia (RLO-SA) of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC). RCSS wishes Ms. Nanayakkara all the very best in her future activities.

RCSS welcomes Ms.Nadeeka Withana who assumed the position of RLO-South Asia of GPPAC at the RCSS from October 2010. She also worked as the RCSS Programme Officer during the

period from March-October 2010. She obtained her BA in Political Science and South Asian Studies from the National University of Singapore and M.Sc in Strategic Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Prior to joining RCSS, she was an Associate Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. From December 2008 till March 2009, she was also a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for Conflict and Peace Studies in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The RCSS NEWSLETTER is published biannually. For copies, comments, contributions and further information please write to:

Programme officerRegional Centre for Strategic Studies, 68/1, Sarasavi Lane, Welikada, Colombo 8.

Tel No: +94112690913-4 Fax: +94112690769 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.rcss.orgPublished by: Regional Centre for Strategic Studies

Printed by: Design Systems (Pvt) Ltd, Colombo 10. Tel: 4992300

RCSS was awarded a grant by the Consortium for Non-Traditional Security Studies in Asia (NTS-Asia) to conduct a sub-regional workshop titled “Ending the Displacement Cycle: Finding Durable Solutions through Return and Resettlement.” The workshop which will focus on issues pertaining to the return and resettlement of IDPs in South and Southeast Asia will be held from 28-29 January, 2011, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Staff Changes at RCSS

Kodikara awards for South asia Strategic Studies - 2010

RCSS is pleased to announce that the Kodikara Awards for South Asia Strategic Studies – 2010 have been awarded to the following applicants:

• Mr. Shahab Enam Khan, Bangladesh

• Mr. Debbidatta Aurobinda Mahapatra, India

• Ms. Asma Yaqoob, Pakistan

• Mr. Y.J. Sithara N. Fernando, Sri Lanka

new addressAs of 1 July 2010, the RCSS has moved to a new location:

68/1, Sarasavi Lane, Welikada, Colombo 8.Tel No: +9411- 2690913/14 Fax No: +9411-2690769

Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.rcss.org

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