South Asia: Terror, Misinformation and Communal Politics

As secularism faces increasing threats from fundamentalist, communal, and ultra-conservative forces across South Asia, the recent Pahalgam terror attack-a heinous act in which 26 tourists lost their lives-has further inflamed communal tensions and brought identity politics back into sharp focus.

- SAMUDRALA VK

While such barbaric acts must be dealt with firmly, it is equally important to confront the surge of misinformation and hate speech on social media, which is fueling division and intolerance among citizens.

Social Media: Weaponizing Misinformation

In an era where secularism and tolerance are being dis-gious identity-many of its regional peers failed to follow suit. This divergence has led to ongoing sectarian, ethnic, and religious conflicts in the region.

Internally, these divisions have eroded peace and prosperity. Externally, border disputes, religiously motivated terrorism, cross-border migration, and regional rivalries have deepened mistrust among South Asian states, heightening geopolitical tensions.

Politics of Division

Domestic politics in much of South Asia, including in India, is increasingly characterized by confrontation rather than cooperation. The competition for power-along religious, ethnic, and regional lines-is creating deep societal fault lines, further destabilizing the region.