Sir: This is the real question we need to address in the current circumstances, when the country is fighting against the scourge of terrorism and many have left the country because of the security concerns. We as a nation, have been fighting against terrorism for almost 14 years now. To know what terrorism really is, let us first understand and take an insight into the very roots of this phenomenon. Let’s take a closer look at the etymology of this very word. The first word to look up is terror, which means extreme fear or a person or thing that causes extreme fear. Then comes the word Terrorise, which means to cause great fear by being aggressive or violent so that others do not defend themselves or oppose one, and this is exactly what terrorists do, they try to put fear in hearts and minds with cruel acts so that no one can stand up against them. A common man is the direct target of these terrorist activities and is afraid of them, but it does not mean that he lacks courage to fight for his freedom. It is instinctive to be get afraid of covert attacks but at the same time it is natural to counterpoise and overcome one’s fear. This gifted ability needs to be developed and channelised to combat terrorism. The challenges are the binding forces to get united. It is the need of the hour, otherwise we can lose the war of our survival. We have to look at the broader picture overseeing our differences of sect, religion and creed. It is the need of the time to start a nationwide campaign to fight against terrorism and get united as we got united during the September 1965 war, terrorists are only handful, they would certainly know that they have been challenged by the same nation who fought out such challenges in the past. This requires vigour to see into the eyes of enigmatic phenomenon to help defend ourselves against the imminent threat of terrorism. The underlying motive of the terrorists remains to destabilise the nation’s integrity. Therefore everybody from young to old, from children to women should participate in freeing the country from the brutal clutches of terrorism in every possible way. MARIUM BASHIR CHOUDARY. Via Email