The April 22 terrorist attack in India has engulfed the country in the familiar circle of outrage, anger, and helplessness. Not just the TV anchors, the common man is asking the government this time, accompanied by a glaring reluctance among citizens to assume personal responsibility in combating terrorism. It’s natural, perhaps even justified, to expect decisive actions from authorities. Yet, the complexity and persistence of terrorism demand a collective effort that extends far beyond governmental interventions.

Terrorism thrives not merely through terrorists’ actions but due to their ability to instill fear in people. This fear inevitably transforms into anger and public outrage, prompting citizens to demand immediate action from the government. Yet these emotions, as neuroscience repeatedly highlights, are transient; anger, powerful in the moment, fades easily without leading to meaningful, lasting solutions. While surgical action assuages the spirit, is it efficient in countering terrorism in the long term?

Counter-terrorism is not a knee-jerk reaction to every attack; it requires a long-term objective and persistent action. Common outrage should not drive this action; outrage can be satisfied by quick actions, but it does nothing to eradicate terrorism.

The ordinary citizen has to understand their role in this fight against terror. Everybody has to do something; every professional can contribute in some way. They are part of a professional association, and they can ask their association to determine the best way they can help fight terrorism. Because ultimately terrorism is not fought by the government, the army, or defence forces, Terrorism is fought by ordinary people who believe that it is a long fight and needs persistence. Outrage is not enough small actions to remind and remember are important.

The current outrage is underlined with fear; people are so scared that they are angry, as they feel they can be attacked and killed for their identity as a Hindu. Terrorists’ purpose is served. Everyone has personalised the terrorist attacks on themselves or their family, and they can expect it to happen to them. Here again, the massive anger that Indians feel against Pakistan, the Pakistani Army, or the terrorists will die down. Nor is the problem of terrorism is going to be resolved with........

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