What is Terrorism

There is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism. Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. Most common definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of innocent civilians. Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war. Terrorism has been used by a broad array of political organizations in furthering their objectives.

The terrorist attack is carried out in such a way as to maximize the severity and length of the psychological impact. Terrorists also attack national symbols to show their power and to shake the foundation of the country or society they are opposed to.

Acts of terrorism can be carried out by individuals, groups, or states. According to some definitions, clandestine or semi-clandestine state actors may also carry out terrorist acts outside the framework of a state of war. However, the most common image of terrorism is that it is carried out by small and secretive cells, highly motivated to serve a particular cause. It has been found that a "terrorist" will look, dress, and behave like a normal person, such as a university student, until he or she executes the assigned mission. Terrorist profiling based on personality, physical, or sociological traits would not appear to be particularly useful. The physical and behavioral description of the terrorist could describe almost any normal young person.

Terrorist attacks are often targeted to maximize fear and publicity. They usually use explosives or poison, but there is also concern about terrorist attacks using weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear devices (nuclear terrorism). Terrorist organizations usually methodically plan attacks in advance, and may train participants, plant "undercover" agents, and raise money from supporters or through organized crime. Communication may occur through modern telecommunication systems. The mass media will often censor organizations involved in terrorism (through self-regulation) to discourage further terrorism. However, this may encourage organisations to perform more extreme acts of terrorism to be shown in the mass media.

Pro-active and tough diplomatic maneuvers may result in reduced frequency of these acts of terrorism. However, the possibility of such terrorist acts can not be ruled out completely. Under such circumstances, it is absolutely necessary to establish Crisis or Disaster preparedness plans, with necessary infrastructures, at all the levels, viz., local, regional, state and country level. The plans should be “practicable, simple and easy for quick implementation”. The implementation authority should be identified for all the levels since time is an important factor to minimize casualties and damage to property.