Political Islam and India's offensive Defence - Ajit Doval Lecture

[Free Karma]

Very very good Lecture by Ajit Doval (prior to him becoming NSA) at the SASTRA college. It's a bit long, but it is totally worth it.

Skip to 18 minutes, to avoid intoduction/ greetings etc..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuSNC7qZwi0

I'll try to post a summary in some time.

 

[Free Karma]

An approximate Summary:

• One of the biggest challenges faced by India today is the threat of terrorism, but previous govts have refused to accept this threat, or have made statements but not taken it seriously. Even going so far as to scrap laws that were put into place to take care of terrorist activities(POTA) on the basis of foolish election promises.
  
• Lack of a coherent foreign policy, against states/orgs who promote such acts make it even harder, where the govt swings from calling off talks, to suddenly being open for talks for no reason at all. There is no punishment given for promoting such acts and hence it encourages such states to commit further acts,exploiting the socio-religious conditions to their advantage to fulfill a political objective.
  
• To make matters worse there is a pan islamic terror movt also on the rise. How do we solve this issue when there are political,socio-religious and international challenges.
  
• First is to Accept there is a problem, define it and then search for ways to defeat it. Previous leaders have not even regarded terror to be a big threat to India, and hence have not been serious about framing laws or crafting proper response to attacks.
  
• How do we define it, how to differentiate between Islamic terrorists and good law abiding citizens. Large majority of muslims do not support terror. We must understand that terrorism is carried out for a certain political purpose, and this is not new, it has happened through out history. Hence the root is political Islam and terror is just a means to achieve it.
  
• Some examples of Political islam from the Past, outside India and inside India. Political Islam can also be used for positive purposes. The Freedom struggle saw a lot of support from muslim communities...but the british tried to stop it, by creation of Aligarh univ, and exiling pro freedom Muslim leaders)
  
• Our response internally should be to strengthen Nationalist political Islam, and help them be vocal against terror, work with the communities
  
• Externally we must make sure we have a proper response to people who promote such activities. Terrorism is used by Pakistan as a method of Asymmetric warfare, as they cannot match our military power, and have the safety of a nuclear umbrella, Terror can be used as low cost warfare, with high deniability, and make the opponent bleed through a 1000 cuts.
  
• To punish this we must make Pakistan feel the cost of such acts, and to do this we must use similar weapons against them. (4th gen warfare). The response should send a message through use of massive disproportional force, that causes huge damage. This cannot be achieved through conventional means, due it's limitations, but through intel networks, and 4th gen warfare. Ex: One more Mumbai attack and you lose Baluchistan.
  
• Similar disproportionate responses should be given at the LoC for firing and make them feel the pain, set red lines for talks, which when are crossed would be grounds for calling off talks, and stick with it.
  
• India's response for 26/11 was terrible and made us look weak. All the build up was just for domestic purposes, as the U.S (and hence Pak) were already informed that nothing would happen. Pak's domestic situation was very fragile then, and we shouldve taken advantage of the situation to cause damage to them too.
  
• Some NGOS and irresponsible media networks are choosing political motives and sensationalism over national interest by creating false/exaggerated news, and eroding the public's faith in the state authorities (false encounters etc). Channles need to educated on national interest and our media needs to understand sensitivities.
  
• POTA must be strengthened, it is currently a very weak anti terror law when compared to similar anti terror laws across other countries. Human rights of terrorists and ant social elements are not as important as lives of Law abiding patriotic citizens.

Found a summary on the other forum, expanded some points a bit more.

 

[Ray]

It shows how politicians are selling the country by putting political interest above national interest.

Indeed, terrorism is a strategic threat and it must be recognised so and there has to be an anti Terrorism Act. It is but axiomatic.

His commentary on Pakistan rationale vis a vis India is very well explained and how because Pakistan is aware that it is impossible to defeat India militarily, they have taken to low cost action in the form of terrorism and to ensure that India has no option to punish militarily, they have acquired the strategic weaponry and nuclear power to ensure that they are not punished by India.

Doval is right that there is no option for India but to be ready for a nuclear confrontation and take on Pakistan to rid India of this omnipresent threat.

Pan Islamism has been able to churn out the idea that Islam has been degraded because of the adherents have deviated from the true Islamic ways. That is gripping al conscience of Muslims all over the world, including India.

His commentary on Political Islam, its birth and fructifying and how it took its roots in India is fascinating.

Is there a written script of what he has said or a link?

How do you download his speech for posterity?

 

[sydsnyper]

Superb !!!

Very very good Lecture by Ajit Doval (prior to him becoming NSA) at the SASTRA college. It's a bit long, but it is totally worth it.

Skip to 18 minutes, to avoid intoduction/ greetings etc..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuSNC7qZwi0

I'll try to post a summary in some time.

 

[sydsnyper]

It was indeed a wonderful speech. There are many online free tools that allow you to give the youtube link and they will rip and give you a download link for the ripped video. An alternate way (my favourite), if you use Mozilla firefox, there is an extension called Downloadhelper (it has its own share of clones, look for an icon of three spinning colourful balls). When you play the video on youtube, this add on will get highlighted. Clicking on it will download the video and you get to choose the download format too.

It shows how politicians are selling the country by putting political interest above national interest.

Indeed, terrorism is a strategic threat and it must be recognised so and there has to be an anti Terrorism Act. It is but axiomatic.

His commentary on Pakistan rationale vis a vis India is very well explained and how because Pakistan is aware that it is impossible to defeat India militarily, they have taken to low cost action in the form of terrorism and to ensure that India has no option to punish militarily, they have acquired the strategic weaponry and nuclear power to ensure that they are not punished by India.

Doval is right that there is no option for India but to be ready for a nuclear confrontation and take on Pakistan to rid India of this omnipresent threat.

Pan Islamism has been able to churn out the idea that Islam has been degraded because of the adherents have deviated from the true Islamic ways. That is gripping al conscience of Muslims all over the world, including India.

His commentary on Political Islam, its birth and fructifying and how it took its roots in India is fascinating.

Is there a written script of what he has said or a link?

How do you download his speech for posterity?

Thanks
Ray

 

[ezsasa]

There are two more videos to watch if anyone wants to know about Ajit doval's stand on strategic issues. One at the Australia-india institute and other at some embassy in U.S. I found the second video interesting because in the screen you will find an American sitting next to doval, in the beginning of the speech this guy looks relaxed expecting just another speech from an Indian guy but slowly you can find this guy giving his fullest attention once doval starts talking about Afghanistan. Just an observation.

Fundamentally I like doval's offensive-defence strategy, looks like that is what has been employed at loc this time. Whether it will work in the long term we will have to wait and see.

 

[thethinker]

It was indeed a wonderful speech. There are many online free tools that allow you to give the youtube link and they will rip and give you a download link for the ripped video. An alternate way (my favourite), if you use Mozilla firefox, there is an extension called Downloadhelper (it has its own share of clones, look for an icon of three spinning colourful balls). When you play the video on youtube, this add on will get highlighted. Clicking on it will download the video and you get to choose the download format too.

Download JDownloader from jdownloader.org


This is a free program and will extract and download videos from all major file sharing and video sites.

 

[Ashutosh Lokhande]

@Free Karma thnx for sharing such a brilliant speech and Q&A session of our NSA chief. keep up the good work. looking forward for more such videos from you :thumb:

 

[Ashutosh Lokhande]

i would appeal to mods for making this video or thread sticky for some days so that many other DFI members not miss the opportunity to listen this brilliant lecture/session of Mr Ajit doval on indias strategic issues.

 

[Srinivas_K]

Mr @Ray try Youtube downloader.

there is one more superb video of Ajith Doval on Leadership !!

It shows how politicians are selling the country by putting political interest above national interest.

Indeed, terrorism is a strategic threat and it must be recognised so and there has to be an anti Terrorism Act. It is but axiomatic.

His commentary on Pakistan rationale vis a vis India is very well explained and how because Pakistan is aware that it is impossible to defeat India militarily, they have taken to low cost action in the form of terrorism and to ensure that India has no option to punish militarily, they have acquired the strategic weaponry and nuclear power to ensure that they are not punished by India.

Doval is right that there is no option for India but to be ready for a nuclear confrontation and take on Pakistan to rid India of this omnipresent threat.

Pan Islamism has been able to churn out the idea that Islam has been degraded because of the adherents have deviated from the true Islamic ways. That is gripping al conscience of Muslims all over the world, including India.

His commentary on Political Islam, its birth and fructifying and how it took its roots in India is fascinating.

Is there a written script of what he has said or a link?

How do you download his speech for posterity?

Thanks
- Ray

 

[Vishwarupa]

My question to you all is how on earth can pakistan think of such a strategy? They are ruining India by adopting such viable & sustainable low cost method & bleeding India. I am sure some westerns hand who has joined pakistan in destabilizing & weakening India

who are the strategists behind this move by pakistan. whoever it is Its just amazing.

India should start talking & plan to take back POK & GB area soon.

 

[sydsnyper]

The pakis learnt well under the tutelage of the CIA during the Russian-Afghan war in the 80s'. They had the funding, the ideology (militant Islam) and battle hardened militias by the end of the Soviet withdrawal.

By destroying the lives of numerous kids whose future were convoluted, by brainwashing in madarassas and leaving no other recourse of a living, but fighting in militant groups they were able to establish a cheap source of cannon fodder and a terrible headache for India.

The curse of the lives they destroyed will never let them in peace, ever....

My question to you all is how on earth can pakistan think of such a strategy? They are ruining India by adopting such viable & sustainable low cost method & bleeding India. I am sure some westerns hand who has joined pakistan in destabilizing & weakening India

who are the strategists behind this move by pakistan. whoever it is Its just amazing.

India should start talking & plan to take back POK & GB area soon.

 

[sgarg]

Islam is a very big problem. In fact it is becoming the biggest problem the world has.

The challenge to India is disproportionately large due to big Muslim population and being surrounded by Muslims.

I think India has been taking consistent step to deal with it. However India's biggest weakness is internal security. The structures dealing with internal security are weak and politicized. Since internal security hinges on strong governance, it has been naturally weak due to several coalition governments in the past.

I think Mr Modi is correct to go alone in States as coalition governments are naturally weak. If the people give support remains to be seem.

The steps required are many:

1. Reorganization and re-equipment of state police forces
2. Significant increase in anti-terrorist quick response teams in state police force
3. Increase in CRPF with focus on anti-terrorism measures. Acquisition of helicopters and other equipment for quick response.
4. Significant improvement in intelligence gathering - which requires huge additions in spy network and much greater technical infrastructure.

etc.

 

[Ray]

Mr Doval said Islam is not the problem.

Political Islam was started with Ibn Taymiyyah (ahlus sunnah wal jamah: Fatwa of Deviancy) and Shah Waliullah and then hijacked by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab is what is the problem.

It is the feeling amongst some Muslim that the glorious days of Islam has vanished because they are not true followers of Islam and to 'cleanse' themselves they are taking the fundamentalist path.

One should hear the video.

 

[Ashutosh Lokhande]

Islam is a very big problem. In fact it is becoming the biggest problem the world has.

The challenge to India is disproportionately large due to big Muslim population and being surrounded by Muslims.

I think India has been taking consistent step to deal with it. However India's biggest weakness is internal security. The structures dealing with internal security are weak and politicized. Since internal security hinges on strong governance, it has been naturally weak due to several coalition governments in the past.

I think Mr Modi is correct to go alone in States as coalition governments are naturally weak. If the people give support remains to be seem.

The steps required are many:

1. Reorganization and re-equipment of state police forces
2. Significant increase in anti-terrorist quick response teams in state police force
3. Increase in CRPF with focus on anti-terrorism measures. Acquisition of helicopters and other equipment for quick response.
4. Significant improvement in intelligence gathering - which requires huge additions in spy network and much greater technical infrastructure.

etc.

plz watch the video before commenting.

 

[Srinivas_K]

It is the feeling amongst some Muslim that the glorious days of Islam has vanished because they are not true followers of Islam and to 'cleanse' themselves they are taking the fundamentalist path.

In Quran there are versus which are intolerant, as Mohammed grew in power and Islamic empire also grew, the versus from his mouth became more conservative and vengeful on people from other religions.

The doctrine of Muhammed is to make every one to obey his teachings and follow the rules laid by Quran. Just like any other Abrahamic religions.

But Islam teaches to be violent when it comes to defend or spreading. This is where the problem lies.

The terorrists take their inspiration from The Sunnah, the life of their prophet. When Muhammed and his followers are minority they raided caravans of Jews and Christians for money which is essential to grow in power, resorted to guerilla tactics on majority to make them weak(Justification is that in 7th century Muslims are minority and they have to survive by any means) . This is the inspiration for the Fundamentalists who are waging wars on bigger powers.

These tactics are a part and parcel of dirty politics we see in daily life every where in this world.

Islam is a complete package, there is no such thing as political Islam. In Islam every man is a soldier of Allah and he has to do his sacred duty to defend and spread the message by hook or crook.

Islam itself is like a political ideology with religious angle. Reason why Muslims have the problem with democracies and other forms of governments.

Quran and the ministry done by Muhammed is the model for Muslims. This is the main problem for Western and other democracies who see as blocking factor in Globalization and establishment of free world.

But categorizing all muslims as fundamentalists is not correct in my view.

Ajit Doval is talking about a Fatwa issued in favor of Arabs when newly converted Turks are bulldozing the Arabian Caliphate. The Fatwa says since "Turks are new converts they should be killed where ever we find them".

But the fatwa is denounced and the guy issued this fatwa is jailed later.

 

[Ashutosh Lokhande]

@Ahsan Bin Tufail, you might wanna listen to this man.

 

[JBH22]

Putin-Limits-Foreign-Capitals-Participation-in-Russian

Permitting foreigners to control mass media could influence the strategic decision-making process and, in some cases, this could threaten the informational security of the state, as well as the rights and liberties of Russian citizens, member of the Russian Federation Council Andrei Klishas told RIA Novosti in late September.

Putin Limits Foreign Capital's Participation in Russian Media: Government | Russia | RIA Novosti

Meanwhile in Russia Putin is fighting bitterly to protect national interest. After limiting NGOs now he turns his attention to media house.

 

[Ashutosh Lokhande]

@SANITY watch the video posted on this thread. am sure many of your questions will get answered with respect to indias strategic issues vis a vis pak and in general.

 

[ezsasa]

Hope as part of the offensive-defence policy, every time one of our soldier is attacked pound for pound is taken at the loc. Justification can be that our intelligence says that terrorist involved came from that particular border post or general area from pak side.