Terrorism

Militants can be killed. The objective should be to reduce militancy.

As long as the atmosphere of militancy exists, a new militant arises to fill the incumbency. In simple words, it can be understood as this. A terrorist is leading a cause for certain group of people, and if he/she is killed, someone else would take the spot. The analogy can be further simplified in this manner. Suppose there is a club for ‘Cricket’, whose activities are dedicated to increase playing of the game cricket, which is played by members of the club. Now, if the head of this club is dead, someone else would take his place to continue its activities. Just because the head is dead, club wouldn’t shut down. Terrorism is similar to this in many ways.

There are people who want a particular thing and they believe they can achieve their interests if they support a certain group of people. And, in this case, this certain group of people are ‘terrorists’, not because they promise to achieve something, but because these ‘terrorists’ use violent methods to achieve them.

Google says terrorist is ‘a person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims’.

If the same terrorist fights for the cause of people without violent methods and ammunition, he/she might even be called a politician.

Google says politician is ‘a person who is professionally involved in politics, especially as a holder of or a candidate for an elected office.’

This is also similar if you observe the way politicians fight for a cause for a group of people. They are not called terrorists as they don’t use violent methods to achieve their goals.

So, the strategy to kill terrorists might not necessarily work. Firstly, if a terrorist is killed, another one would take their place. Secondly, it strengthens the cause and fight of the people who support them. This is very similar to denying a child candy, and the child would fight more for it as you keep denying the candy. Thirdly, it antagonizes and alienates the people against the other group.

What might work? Reduce the atmosphere of militancy in the area. This can be achieved in various ways from finding people what they want, why they want to actually developing the area. Lack of development is usually the primary cause. Make people realize that terrorism wouldn’t achieve their goals. Make people realize that there are alternate ways to achieve their interests than resorting to violence. Reduce the barriers between various groups of people and show them reasons/cause to be united.

Killing a terrorist might take few seconds or minutes, but reducing the militancy would take years, going beyond the typical elected period of a government, which requires continuous and dedicated action for development of people.