***Thread on De-Radicalization*** Weeks before the 2019 Ea…

I say this in spite of many western media outlets calling him "little known" or an "unknown entity" back then. They just did not know the impact he was creating here.

But, little did the general public know that he will inflict one of the worst terror attacks & blow himself up.

Zahran Hashim was born in a middle-class Muslim family part of Kattankudy. He was a college dropout.

Soon, he got into radical philosophy and started picking fights with local Muslims in his area. The local mosque identified the problems & tried addressing it with his family.

He made multiple trips to South India and started spreading his wings by uploading radical and jihadi videos on social media. This is where he really wielded his influence and got 1000s of followers.

But the idea of my thread is to focus on de-radicalizing a radical person. The fact here is like in many other cases, the local Muslim community often try their best to control such characters.
Their approach may not be the best one at times, but they do make an effort.

Zahran was taking Quran classes in the local mosque but was also trying to radicalize the young boys. On knowing this, he was quickly banned from the mosque and reprimanded. Now, the community cannot control what he does outside of their area.

Similarly, @Ahmedshabbir20 reports how the local community tried to de-radicalize Jamesha Mubeen.

"Local residents describe Jamesha Mubin as an introvert with an eccentric personality who refused to mingle with any groups or organisations that believe in a democratic process."

"After Mubin came under the NIA radar, there was an attempt made by the members of Ukkadam area Jamaat to reach out to him and enrol him into a de-radicalisation programme. 'Our attempts did not yield any results as he was adamant and non-cooperative,' a Jamaat member told TNM."

The story by @Ahmedshabbir20
https://t.co/I9739CAapv

The fact is... De-Radicalization is a long and hard process. When you feel (are brainwashed) the entire system is against you, it is difficult to listen to that very system and change your ways.

Many countries including India have designated De-radicalization processes.

On average, it will take multiple years for a person to truly get de-radicalized and become a better person before being let back into the society. I feel our government and the media must talk more about this. Share positive stories.

I have personally interacted with families in Singapore who have had their loved ones radicalized, arrested, put in de-radicalization centres and had them back after years as better people. Their journeys are long and hard.

A sensible government will give them a second chance and ensure they are not hounded or ostracized from society. This is what happened with Mubeen. But sadly, he did not take his chance.

No community likes to be labelled as a terrorist safe haven. I'm also not saying that all communities take responsibility for guiding their youth.

But those that do, should be supported more.

Getting radicalized is like getting addicted to drugs. We have to give them a reason and means by which they value other things in life as more important.

It is really sad to see these young engineers and graduates turn out wasted! What is it they want to do?
**End of Thread***