Post by Aj_June on Sept 22, 2018 6:30:22 GMT
Definitely they are taken as totally opposite words in India.
It is not the first time that I have seen this lumping together of military and militants from western people. In India, the distinction is 100% crystal clear. Militant refers to terrorists and Maoists who carry on planned terrorist attacks on the civilians. Military refers to people who protect civilians from militants.
In Pakistan on the contrary there isn't much differences between military and militants. Because the dirty work of Pakistan is also carried out by their militant outfits and terrorist organizations.
Military is about keeping order. "Militant" refers to violent action against the established order.
mil·i·tant
ˈmiləd(ə)nt/Submit
adjective
1.
combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods.
"a militant nationalist"
synonyms: aggressive, violent, belligerent, bellicose, vigorous, forceful, active, fierce, combative, pugnacious;
ˈmiləd(ə)nt/Submit
adjective
1.
combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause, and typically favoring extreme, violent, or confrontational methods.
"a militant nationalist"
synonyms: aggressive, violent, belligerent, bellicose, vigorous, forceful, active, fierce, combative, pugnacious;
Another point to note is that military people save civilians not just in wars but also in natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes etc etc.
So yes, military is about keeping things in order in many ways.