Only proactive approach can work against IS

Manama

To win battle against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, we need to follow the proactive policy instead of the reactive one, said IPI’s MENA Director Nejib Friji.

He was speaking to the meeting of religious leaders representing different faiths at the offices of International Peace Institute, Middle East and North Africa, (IPI MENA) at Manama yesterday. The participants represented more than 11 faith leaders from Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. A large number of journalists representing Arabic and English newspapers, Radio and the TV were also present at the occasion.

 The meeting was held under the theme of ‘Religious Leaders against terrorism on the name religions’ with the aim of consolidating their religions’ firm stand against acts of terrorism perpetrated in the name of religion. 

Friji said that communities from around the world were being threatened by a rise of extremism bearing the cloak of religion. “We cannot coexist with this strange phenomenon,” he said, “No doubt the challenge of IS was big but we will overcome it with the bigger will power.”

Following a moment of meditation, silence and prayer observed by all participants, Friji delivered the message conveyed by the IPI’s president, Terje Roed-Larsen. which read: “To address the challenge, we must diagnose the problem correctly. This phenomenon is indicative of the re-rise of totalitarian ideologies. The pursuit of violent extremism in religious guises has resulted in gross misrepresentations of major faiths. A “clash of extremisms” is indeed being played out in many parts of the globe resulting in a serious uncertainty. Extremists of all kinds believe that terrorism is not only legitimate in order to reach that goal, it is an essential and necessary means to reach that goal.”

“Military responses are only part of the equation and a more comprehensive approach is needed, which encompasses social and economic development and, above all, education,” it stated.

The faith leaders and clerics were of the view that educating the essence of religions was the right solution to counter terrorism. They also stressed the need for mutual respect, tolerance, dialogue and the culture of peace.

While speaking to DT News on the sidelines, Shastri Vijay Kumar Mukhiya of the Hindu Community said that “we are the human beings first and then something else.”

He said that the entire world was one family and they all would have to walk like brothers and sisters and shed all the differences of religion and stand against the monster of terrorism with unity. “United we stand, divided we fall,” he added.

Sushil Muljimal, leader of the Manama Hindu Temple said that “If you have differences, come to the table and talk. Don’t impose your ideology.” He stressed upon the importance of interfaith dialogue.

Speaking to the DT News Nancy Elly Khedouri, a Bahraini with the Jewish faith said that nowhere in the Holy Scriptures was it mentioned to kill in the name of God and bomb the buildings and destruct properties. She said that the gift of life was so important in all the religions.

“For me PEACE stands for Progressive, Enthusiastic efforts Among Countries of the Entire world,” she added.

At the end of the meeting the participants adopted the declaration entitled “Preventing Violent Extremism: Call for Mutual Respect, Tolerance, Dialogue and a Culture of Peace.”