Quest for Peace: Dealing with Militancy

Considering the wide-ranging dynamics of militancy the country is faced with, dialogue and negotiated settlement – keeping in view the larger regional security context as well as long term structural aspects – provides the ideal way forward.

Abstract

Considering the wide-ranging dynamics of militancy the country is faced with, dialogue and negotiated settlement – keeping in view the larger regional security context as well as long term structural aspects – provides the ideal way forward. Deterrence indeed is necessary to maintain and may be resorted to, where and when it is inevitable;, keeping however in view that as force can hardly provide a permanent solution to such multidimensional and long standing problem. While moving for dialogue devising a proper, well-though-out mechanism, with a logical end in view should be ensured. The role of traditional institution of jirga, and community elders is instrumental in this regard and must be pursued. International experiences stand testimony to the need for consistency and secrecy in such endeavors. And last but not the least, the people of militancy hit areas will have to be given a clear message that their developmental needs will be met, properly.

The complete article can be read in the latest edition of IPS bi-annual journal Policy Perspectives.