JNU course on counter-terrorism to become part of syllabus

In one of the modules of this course titled Radical Religious Terrorism and Its Effects, it is written that radical religiously motivated terrorism has played an important role in giving rise to terrorist violence in the early 21st century, which is interpreted as jihadist violence and terror in the form of suicide killings and murder.

New Delhi:Amid controversy, Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) Academic Council on Thursday approved a course on counter-terrorism and after the approval of the Executive Council, it will become part of the syllabus.

According to the university administration the new course, 'Counter-Terrorism', has been prepared for the students studying international relations and engineering. Through the course, students will be made aware of the methods and technical aspects of dealing with terrorism.

However, some people, including several JNU teachers, have objected to the course.

In one of the modules of this course titled Radical Religious Terrorism and Its Effects, it is written that radical religiously motivated terrorism has played an important role in giving rise to terrorist violence in the early 21st century, which is interpreted as jihadist violence and terror in the form of suicide killings and murder.

Apart from this, a particular religion has been linked to terrorism in the curriculum, due to which this controversy arose. Radical religious terrorism has been described as jihadist terror.

READ:Row erupts in JNU over approval of course on counter-terrorism

However, JNU Vice-Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar issued a statement saying that the 'Counter-Terrorism' subject will be taught to the students of engineering and international relations. The subject deals with how to tackle terrorism and what will be the role of science and technology in it.

The course has been designed keeping in mind the terrorist activities around the world so that India can handle such incidents, he stated. In the course, the students will be taught about the radical and religious terrorism networks and the role of government agencies in combating terrorism.

The JNU administration said that no particular religion is being taught in the university.

The course is designed from the perspective of India as the country has long suffered from cross-border sponsored terrorism, asserted the university. The Academic Council of JNU has approved a total of three new courses.

The courses that have been approved include 'Counter-Terrorism among Major Powers', 'Strategies for Asymmetric Conflicts and Cooperation' and 'Importance of Science and Technology in International Relations.

AGENCY INPUTS