Essays

The menace of terrorism has been increasing over the years, though there are spells of intense, widespread activity, followed by periods of relative calm as if to give respite to the innocent millions and the governments concerned. The evils of terrorism are so obvious and the world has become so familiar with them that it is perhaps unnecessary to describe them in detail. Even so, the multi-faceted, pernicious consequences of this challenge to mankind need to be fully known to all to facilitate the formulation of effective anti- terrorist plans. Notable among these are a soul-killing sense of insecurity and instability, the heavy loss of life and the erosion of confidence in the administration's capacity to ensure safety.

Several countries, including the world's mightiest power, are affected by the scourge of terrorism which has taken many forms— bomb explosions, assassinations of selected people and sometimes indiscriminate killings, blackmail, threats of murder if the demanded ransom is not paid and hijacking. While stray shootings and explosions are a feature of terrorist activity within countries where there is seething discontent among a section of the people, air transport is a favourite target for international terrorism.

American experts have defined terrorism as "the use of international violence by individuals or groups to achieve political goals". It is, in effect, a type of war, though it is not openly fought. This definition applies to lawless acts in the international arena; in the national sphere terrorism implies acts of violence indulged in by politically-motivated people who have some real or imaginary grievances which have remained unredressed for some reason.

Both national and international terrorists believe in the cult of the gun and the bomb. The funds which feed the terrorists come from various sources; foreign supporters and collaborators, drug money, the yields of bank robberies and stray looting of persons carrying bags containing cash, etc. The usual aim of terrorists is to wreak vengeance against those whom they regard as their enemies, oppressors and usurpers or otherwise acting as obstacles in the achievement of their goals. It matters little to these elements that their aims are unethical, illegal and disruptionist. Some of them aim at bringing about a social revolution and causing political upheaval. The terrorists are in a minority, but they manage to terrorise large majorities and defy the police month after month.

Terrorists recruit young people in their ranks. Idealistic fervour, apparently, inspires them to join the ranks. In recent years many steps have been taken to fight terrorism. Sponsors of resolutions in the U. N. against hijacking, terrorism and hostage-taking have been trying to find ways to strengthen the machinery to counter the evil. Crackdowns on the centres of terrorist activity, tighter security at the airports, railway stations and Government offices have been ordered.

Social analysts rightly assert that the ultimate battle against terrorism will have to be fought by the people. Since there is widespread revulsion against the ruthless acts of terrorists, the people's cooperation is vital. But public enthusiasm to fight the evil must not be allowed to fade away for lack of effective assistance by all sections society and all wings of the administration.