Fighting radicalization to enhance e-strategy for a youth-comprehensive approach towards on-line terrorism

Trainings on Interacting with society in a non-violent manner in Srinagar, J&K

Srinagar, 11-03-2021: Members of “Save Youth Save Future” organised the latest event of series of full-day trainings as part of the project “Free 4 Youth: Fighting radicalization to enhance e-strategy for a youth-comprehensive approach towards on-line terrorism”.

The event was attended by 117 young people and further moderated by 6 trainers, amongst whom were renowned social activists and News Agency owner. The event consisted of 3 sessions: “Radicalization and world media”, “Interacting with your environment and community in a non-violent manner” and a real case roundtable.

The first workshop aimed to empower young people in the field of media literacy and preventing extremism and radicalization in media and social media. It is not secret that most of the media narratives contribute to developing bias by means of metaphorical delegitimization that is discursively constructed through the opposition between “them” and “us.” Such attitudes are rapidly developing into radicalisation, fueling nationalist parties and extremist movements that in turn affect young people in very negative way. Thus throughout the session, the trainers examined and presented to participants the case studies of 7 types of mis- and disinformation: satire or parody, misleading content, imposter content, fabricated content, false connection, false context, manipulated content.

During the second session, the trainers demonstrated the possibilities for vulnerable youth to become active members of their communities, in a non-violent fashion. They provided a clear roadmap on how to counter radical and violent thought processing both in the physical & virtual space. The philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi & Sufi saints of Kashmir was further highlighted. The entire seminar was aimed at helping locals realize the negative impact and repercussions of extremism and terrorism, and thus uplift a Non-Violent movement against them.

The event witnessed a very vibrant Q&A session, during which said speakers answered more than 30 questions. As a result, the trainings experienced the overwhelming support and participation of youths from all across the Kashmir valley.