Sri Sri: Military pressure and dialogue must to combat ISIS

BHOPAL: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has said only peace talks are not enough to combat terror group ISIS.
Simultaneous military pressure is essential too. "Peace dialogue along with military action is required to be undertaken because ISIS doesn't understand others have rights too. They have killed more than 1 lakh Muslims till now," Sri Sri said, while addressing a press conference in Bhopal on Sunday.
In March this year, the Art of Living founder received death threats from the terror group while he was touring Malaysia.
Three months later, the Centre asked all state governments to strengthen security for Sri Sri as he is facing a death threat from jihadi groups, including ISIS and Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The threat letter alleged the guru claims himself "as non-religious" person, but his organization Art of Living is "meddling in Islamic affairs," it said.
Sri Sri said terrorism has different parameters, globally. Asia and Africa faced similar attacks as Paris, but response to terrorism in these continents is different from Europe.
"Terrorism is a global threat and has the same face everywhere. But when things happen in India, it doesn't appear in headlines at international level. Boko Haram has killed more than 400 people in Nigeria recently and terrible attacks happened in countries like Pakistan and Turkey. Iraq is terror-prone and blasts happen every day. In fact after 26/11, it was said it was a reaction for India's action. But it is only now that the world is taking note of global terror," said Sri Sri.
He, however, appealed to governments to 'fight unitedly against terrorism, but don't make people in your country have prejudice against a community.' "Now, there is fear in a certain section of society and they are unable to walk in streets."
He expressed concern that terrorism is spawning religious divide in communities and it is dangerous for the world. "Terrorism is removed from religion and this we have taught the world. India is resilient and has always stood up against terrorism."
On PM Modi's governance and 'acche din', Sri Sri said, "It is too early to comment. We should wait and watch. The government has done some good things, but more needs to be done."
Sri Sri also set the record straight on 'being perceived as aligned with right wing forces.' He said, "Perception that I'm inclined towards a party is only perception, not a reality. We work with governments everywhere - in Odisha, Karnataka, UP, Tamil Nadu. If there is such perception, I would like to correct them and they should rethink."
On checking fringe elements he said, "Fringe element has always existed in society, but needs to be checked and shown its place. Fringe elements are there in every community and religion all over the world. But they form a minuscule part of the society and not entire community as such." He condemned divisive politics used before elections and the Dadri mob lynching.