Terrorism is defined as “the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion” by Webster's Dictionary, and “the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims” by the Oxford English Dictionary. However, there is no universally accepted definition for terrorism.
Our government, through the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), has tried to define terrorism. The US defines terrorism as “... premeditated, politically motivated violence... by subnational groups or clandestine agents.” That is the closest we have come to defining something that has been haunting the world for decades.
A Shot in the Dark
While actor Kamal Haasan did not specifically respond to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s question with instances, which he has been doing a lot of late with his ‘generalised’ tweets, be it about state corruption or any other issue, he did stir up a hornet’s nest with this latest statement.
His messages, true to his style, have been cryptic, leaving the onus of translation on the reader rather than the writer. This, I see, as an extension of his film-making style.
This shot-in-the-dark style worked in his favour in this instance. While it is the duty of every citizen to question whether there is any truth in Haasan’s response, it is also our duty to see if the response is loaded with his political aspirations.
With Haasan’s entry into active politics, he is no longer merely a concerned citizen voicing his opinion but a politician waiting in the wings. His statements, therefore, must be taken into context with a grain of salt.
This time, it worked in his favour, as the evidence for Kamal’s statement, which I am not sure if he already had, if questioned, has been provided after the fact.
Like Mr Gurumurthy tweeted:“Never heard of such ‘senior Hindu Mahasabha leader’s name till now. He has found his name in print by the statement against Kamal. He is now the evidence for the seculars to say “see here is the Hindu terror”. Idiot.”
This is Where Kamal Haasan and I Diverge
If Haasan indeed has political aspirations, he should make more responsible statements.
Even if others of his ilk are not making responsible statements, that does in no way excuse Haasan. If he is no different from the existing politicians, then there is certainly no need for another one. If he is afraid of reprisals which I do not think is the case here, politics is not the field for him.
It would be of a great help to everyone if he started being specific instead of making sweeping statements. With his knowledge, experience and skill in expressing himself, he should be more articulate and should also back his statements.
More Questions than Answers
Kamal Haasan’s remark has helped spark a debate on a topic that has long been hushed. Are there Hindu terrorists like there are Muslim terrorists? Is it time we started defining terrorism in universally or at least nationally acceptable terms? How do we differentiate between what is happening in Kashmir and what is happening in say Kerala or Gujarat with respect to terminologies?
Is terrorism merely an act against the government with malicious intent that may or may not involve violence, or is terrorism any act that aims to spread terror amongst a section of society, any section of society?
Would Derrick Bird who in 2010 killed 11 and injured 12 before killing himself leaving behind no religious memorabilia qualify as one in our definition? Should he fall within the ambit of ‘terrorism’?
Is terrorism always associated with religion or should we not discard the whole cart as rotten for a few bad apples?
This has raised more questions than answers and at this point, it is our duty to set the definition for ourselves before we apply it to various situations while we wait for our government to first legally define terrorism and then apply it to specific cases.
(The writer is an IT professional. This is a personal blog and the opinions expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)
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