A section of JNU teachers and students have objected to the introduction of the curriculum, alleging that “jihadi terrorism” is the only form of “radical-religious terrorism”.
The course, titled “Counter-Terrorism, Asymmetric Conflicts and Strategies for Cooperation in Major Powers”, also claimed that the communist regimes in the Soviet Union and China were state-sponsors of terrorism that they believed affected radical Islamic states. The course, an elective, is for students pursuing a Master of Science dual degree who choose to study international relations at the School of Engineering. The course was approved in the Academic Council meeting held on 17 August and will be approved in the Executive Council meeting on 2 September.
Kumar, president of the Center for Canadian, US and Latin American Studies, said the curriculum has been designed keeping in mind the vision of India.
He said it is based on India’s and global experience in tackling the issue of terrorism.
He said, “How science and technology can help in combating terrorism is also a core part of the curriculum. This course has not targeted any community and has nothing to do with any political party. ”
Calling the curriculum a “complete pedagogical exercise”, he said a “wrong narrative” is being set which is “not good for India” and will not serve any purpose.
“How has India’s experience been in all these decades as a victim of terrorism. The rest of the world has accepted India’s plight. Jihadi terrorism is an expression of the Taliban. It has to be understood. A thorough study, both global and regional, removes all prejudices. Keeping away from academia terrorist organizations is needed.”
Emphasizing that the time has come for all the major powers to come together and take the issue of terrorism seriously, he asked how India can step up all its efforts and constructive counter-terrorism cooperation between the major powers. which is a major part of the curriculum.
“China and Russia abstaining from voting for the UNSC resolution on the Taliban is a great indicator to understand how they have behaved in the past in promoting their interests. China has always recognized Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Not once but vetoed once. In UNSC on several occasions,” he said.
JNU Teachers’ Association secretary Moushumi Basu had said on Monday that the curriculum should be withdrawn.
“Some years ago, they (the university administration) tried to do this and the Delhi Minorities Commission objected to it and it was withdrawn. Such a course should not be taught and it should be withdrawn. It’s problematic.”
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