Need to identify nations who are sponsors of terrorists: Army chief at Raisina Dialogue

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat today said that unless nations that had a state-sponsored policy of terrorism were tackled first, terrorism "was here to stay."

General Rawat was speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship geo-political conference being held in New Delhi.

"First, identify nations that have a state-sponsored policy of supporting terrorism. Tackle them first, otherwise, terrorism is here to stay. Second, check the source of funds. Third, the source of weapons," the army chief said.

"Terrorists are using systems which are highly technology enabled and transcending international borders. We need to disrupt terrorists and their sponsors. Need to identify nations who are sponsors," he said.

General Bipin Rawat also stressed that despite the fact that India was a democratic country, there was a need for putting checks on social media which was utlilised by terrorists.

"Putting some checks and curbs on internet and social media that terrorist organisations always resort to, in a democratic country people won't like it but have to take a call on whether we want safe and secure environment or willing to accept curbs temporarily so terrorism can be dealt with," General Rawat said.

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The army chief also said that there should be an international consensus on the definition of a terrorist and that the media "must avoid turning terrorists into heroes."

"International consensus is needed on the definition of a terrorist. Anybody who uses violence as a means to an end and causes disruption to civilian and property within their country or outside should ideally be called a terrorist," he said.

"Media must avoid turning terrorists into heroes. "Terrorvision" is propaganda. Media must downsize coverage as opposed to highlighting terrorists."

He also said that a ban must apply to political and militant fronts of terrorist organisations.

The second edition of the Raisina Dialogue is being held today at Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel and conclude on January 19.

The theme of the annually-held Dialogue, this year is "The New Normal: Multilateralism with Multi-Polarity"