The decade long war has had a devastating effect on the minds of children who lived through the years of violence. They have developed what we call a "Revenge Culture", where they believe they can get away with anything they do.
It is a concern for all of us that the killers of Muktinath Adhikari showed no remorse for what they did. The state rewarded those who took revenge on killings during the conflict. Both parties shielded killers, and nobody stopped to condemn violence.

Today's youth seem to have taken it for granted that crimes committed under the banner of a political party is all right. Hence, there is a tendency to seek refuge with the most militant group in order to establish fear and dominance. This has become an ideal situation for people with a criminal mindset and encourages people with psychopathic behavior to commit heinous crimes with absolute impunity.

The behaviour of individuals is conditioned by thee society they live in. Socialisation with family and friends act as deterrence against any violent tendencies, but in the absence of peer pressure individuals go astray. Even today, victims of the conflict live with their traumatised past. Many may harbour feelings of vengeance when they see the guilty walk freely.

The political leadership and the government must address these grievances, otherwise it could grow into dangerous proportions.

Sishir Subba is a psychiatrist

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