BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

NON-VIOLENT MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH ASIA: LESSONS LEARNT

Author: M. Jashim Uddin

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2013v34n3a1

ABSTRACT

Millions of people have been killed in violent conflicts going on between the rulers and oppositions in places like Syria, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Sudan, Iraq, and other parts of the world. Different methods including mediation or military intervention have been applied to resolve various conflicts. But, question is how many of them have been successful to resolve deadly conflicts and root out the seeds of conflict? Ongoing violent conflicts are evidence that peaceful resolutions of these conflicts are not easy to achieve, and people including innocent women and children are continuously dying there. Violence leads to more violence. This paper emphasises that non-violent movement can be a significant method in reducing violent conflicts and making the world more peaceful. It is a peaceful method which clearly denies any conflict to occur or gain one’s interests at the cost of others. It is a philosophy as well as a technique that rejects the use of physical violence. The major religions also teach non-violence, e.g., forgiveness. Practice of the principles of non-violence can promote a culture of peace in a society. South Asia, currently a conflict-prone region, has a good record of non-violent movements (Ahimsa Andolon). This study attempts to analyse the principles, strength and limitations of non-violent movement in resolving conflicts; why non-violence should be given priority and what lessons can be learnt from such movements for peaceful solution of the ongoing conflicts.