THE Islamic State has issued its latest manifesto to expand beyond Iraq and Syria and into India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and several other countries. There is something odd about it as most of these countries have Islamic regimes. India is of course a prime target. The IS knows that a Hindu movement is growing in India to kill Muslims who eat beef. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is alleged to be a Hindu nationalist engaged in an arms race for its nuclear war against Muslims. The IS is capitalising on a state of intolerance sweeping India. But such terror on Muslims is spread only by lunatic fringe. People in India have little to do with such fanaticism.
The Indian Parliament has just concluded a debate on intolerance. Narendra Modi has put the emphasis on national unity. India is a democracy and opposition forces have joined hands to condemn intolerance. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was especially articulate. Muslims in India have not shown any panic or alarm. The Indian state can cope with enemies within without the Islamic State interfering with its insensate violence. The fundamentalist sound and fury shown in the IS’s called for a new World Order reeks of Islamic belligerence in the Dark Ages. It has nothing to do with temporary hiccups in any country. However, India should not underestimate the striking power of these terrorists. It has to guard its loins along with neighbouring countries-Islamic or otherwiseand beef up its security. Pakistan must do its best to insulate its ISI from the IS in its own interest. But the final blow against the blood thirsty terrorists can come only from the UN commitment to war on terrorism.