Kochi: Once again, terrorists have brutally ended the lives of over a dozen innocent people, performing their inhuman act as though it were a ritual. The names of those arrested, including doctors and engineers, make one thing clear: no amount of education can destroy religious fanaticism.

It is time we ask ourselves whether we, knowingly or unknowingly, have played a role in nurturing the seeds of white collar terrorism, extremist Islamic ideologies spreading across India including Kerala. The real question is not whether we oppose one kind of communalism, but whether we oppose all forms of it.

We must also seriously examine whether the mindset that justifies killing others for religion or heaven is beginning to take shape in our surroundings. Regardless of being Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, we must stand together against the spread of the cruel belief that those outside one’s faith are enemies to be destroyed.

It is not easy to call communalism by its name or address terrorism for what it truly is, but it is not impossible either. What we need are patriotic political leaders with the courage and willpower to do so.

When religious fundamentalists, with the help of political parties and intellectuals, disguise themselves and gain acceptance even during local elections, it becomes clear how far vote-based appeasement has gone. What must end is the global narrative that portrays those who hunt and kill others as victims.

Winston Churchill once said, those who feed the crocodile hoping it will eat them last are the appeasers.