Fear&Loathing

Call them militants, terrorists, radicals, even freedom fighters; whatever the semantics, their psychological profiles betray a number of similarities.

Shaming is common with young men at mass indoctrination camps (hallmark of all militant religious groups). 'In many camps young men are told 'know your date'; many are taught about the golden era of their religion, its lost glory, present-day injustices, and finally are convinced that they are chosen by God to redeem this.

Little sense of personal identity. Easily attracted by 'authoritarian movement or cause' with which he can identify himself. 'Poor identity leads to confusion, indoctrinators capitalise on this'.

Believes he's chosen by God to save religion or state. Great ego; believes he is superior to everyone. Once indoctrinators appeal to his ego, he is converted.

Detached: Ritual of killing in cold blood is instilled (many say they were forced to kill innocent people repeatedly) until no emotion is felt while killing. 'We were taught to conduct operations with a black mask... The one I am about to attack is not a person any more,' said Kala (name changed), a militant.

Disadvantaged, marginalised, subjected to shaming and humiliation, and also exposed to media and entertainment that pesonalises and glorifies violence as masculine.

Can't tolerate ambivalence. 'No one touched K.P.S. Gill but flip-flopping politicians and negotiators become our objects of rage,' explained a senior policeman.

Revenge is sometimes attributed as s driver, but it isn't a very strong one. 'A residue of criminality is always the key to becoming a full-fledged violent personality.'

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