The recent trend of people accused of terrorist bomb blasts wishing to turn approvers and to cooperate with the police raises interesting questions. What is the reason behind it? Is it thanks to the recent Deoband declaration that unequivocally condemns terrorist activities as un-Islamic? Or is it genuine repentance for their ghastly crimes upon realisation of the wickedness of their acts? Or is it a strategic move on legal advice to escape the rigours of the law? Hatred for the Indian State and glorification of terrorist activities were persistently instilled into those Muslim youth by constant reference to the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the massacre of Muslims in Gujarat. Probably the effect of the poisonous brainwashing to which they were subjected has waned. Another reason could be that they know that the game is up.

Whatever the reason, one feature that clearly emerges is that countries whose systems fail to provide any hope for justice are fertile breeding grounds for terrorism. Again, disillusionment with a society where there is massive exploitation and rampant inequalities fosters terrorist activities. An acute sense of injustice in the minds and hearts of people who—or whose co-religionists—are the victims of exploitation and violation of human rights is a potent impetus to terrorist activities. These sick minds are so utterly convinced of the justness and divine nature of their cause that the enormity of their murderous acts does not bother them. There is no remorse for the sufferings they inflict on innocent persons. It was tragic to witness the spectacle of the young boy who participated in the terrorist bombings at Bali proceeding to receive his punishment with a V-for-victory sign and who showed no remorse for the cold-blooded killings even prior to his execution.

... contd.