After the last year's attacks on Mumbai, there was anger in the air. I too was angry. Watching and listening to endless debates and discussions, led me to reflect on the root cause of the problem and the way forward.
Certain questions arose in my mind: Who is a terrorist? Was he not an innocent child when born? What turned him into a terrorist? Could mere counter-killing of terrorists eliminate terrorism? Wouldn’t this only be a symptomatic relief? Has any country ever benefited in the long run from supporting terrorism? Isn’t terrorism like the fire that ultimately burns the very hand providing the fuel? I believe answers to such questions could help us in directing the vast energy otherwise expressed in form of anger.
I wonder what was going through the minds of the terrorists while shooting mercilessly. Media reports say that there was no remorse on their faces while killing innocent people. They were more like robots programmed to perform a particular action. Who was responsible for making such robots?
I believe the answer lies in their upbringing. Parents, teachers and the society are all responsible in some ways. If they were taught the true essence of religion and human values in their childhood, no one could have brainwashed them into perpetrating violence against innocents in the name of religion.
While targeting and eliminating terrorist camps would provide short-term relief, the long-term solution can come from addressing the more fundamental issues related to the environment in which an innocent child turns into a terrorist. Becoming a fine human being is not accidental. It is hard work and the collective responsibility of the entire society.
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