Fighting Terrorism Together: India Acts, the World Must Follow

Terrorism is a scourge on humanity, an anathema to cherished values of a civilised society; it thrives on misguided notions of revolution, martyrdom, and a romanticised view of violence.

- RAJNAATH SINGH

The assertion that "one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist" is a dangerous misnomer-true freedom can never be built on fear and bloodshed.

The currency of terrorism and terrorists is fear. Yet, even in spreading fear, they have failed to instill any sense of pessimism. And India is testimony to this fact. Whether it is 26/11 or the 2001 Indian Parliament attack or the recent Pahalgam attack, India stands taller, stronger, and more resolute than ever.

In the face of a united India, terrorism, both in its warped ideology and twisted utility, is destined to fail on its own. Its very existence-even for a day-challenges our collective conscience and commitment to peace. All peace-loving nations and individuals need to come together to eradicate this menace once and for all.

India has shown how this can be done.

For decades, we have been a victim of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. The recent Pahalgam attack was a brutal and failed attempt to fracture Indian unity and instill fear among its people. This was evident in the manner in which terrorists inquired about the religion of tourists before killing them. A similar attempt to threaten Indian unity emerged when Pakistan utilised drones and artillery to attack various religious sites belonging to different faiths.

No religion can sanction such dastardly acts. Terrorists strategically misuse and invoke religion to justify their barbaric acts. By hiding behind the veil of religion, terrorists seriously undermine the faith they claim and pretend to uphold. This misuse of religion is not accidental or impulsive; it is a deliberate tactic, a carefully crafted strategy to lend false legitimacy to atrocities.