While addressing an event hosted by the India Islamic Cultural Centre the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said, to develop common narratives on de-radicalization India and Indonesia need to work together.
On the role of Ulema in fostering interfaith peace and social harmony in India and Indonesia NSA Doval said, “In a democracy, there is no place for hate speech, prejudice, propaganda, demonization, violence, conflict, and misuse of religion for narrow ends.”
Meanwhile, Ulema plays a very important role in educating the people on the original tolerant and moderate principles of Islam and extremism with progressive ideas and thoughts.
“Our youth should receive special attention towards this end. They are often the primary target of radicalization, but if their energies are nurtured in the right direction, they can emerge as harbingers of change and building blocks of progress in any society,” Doval said.
Moreover, in three closed sessions on the themes ‘Islam: Continuity and change’, ‘Harmonising interfaith society’, and ‘Countering radicalization and extremism in India and Indonesia’ ulema will participate.
“We also need to counter disinformation and propaganda that can impede peaceful co-existence among the followers of different faiths. Islam emerged as a rallying point for the disadvantaged and was tolerant in its outlook. After the Prophet’s demise fissures emerged among the Caliphs on the question of his legitimate heir. Each faction attempted to outdo the other by espousing a more radical interpretation of the Hadiths,” Doval said.
Talking about both countries Doval said both our countries have been victims of terrorism and separatism.
“We have overcome the challenges to a considerable extent, but the phenomenon of cross-border and ISIS-inspired terrorism continues to pose a threat. Cooperation of the civil society is essential in countering the threat from ISIS-inspired individual terror cells and returnees from theatres like Syria and Afghanistan,” Doval said.
However, on the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval top Indonesian minister Dr. Mohammed Mahfud MD is in Delhi.
Earlier in March 2022, NSA Doval had visited Indonesia for the second Indo- Indonesia security dialogue, and then NSA invited minister Mehfud to India.