One passenger stands up, creates a ruckus and forces a Malaysia-bound aeroplane to turn around because he slipped the deadly “b” word. Although no explosives were to be found, the fact that he introduced himself as a devout Muslim and could be traced back to Pakistan kick-started a forever in0vogue discussion about the interplay of extremism at home. Arif Ali, a former mainstream model and actor has now been charged with making a false statement about threat to damage an aircraft. Since he caused chaos in a country that is an ardent believer in the sanctity of human rights, he would first be assessed by mental health professionals before the court decides on the length of his sentence and the intensity of the fine imposed on him. Mr Ali may not realise but he put a large number of his own community at risk through this little adventure. Australian government might have realised the priority to ascertain his mental state before trying him for his crimes but there are many those who would use his actions as an excuse to harm people who look or sound like him. History is replete with examples of how episodes like 9/11 triggered an unprecedented wave of hate crimes. Things had come to a point that just a fleeting mention of any terror activity in any part of the world was enough to send Muslims scampering for cover. We did not suffer alone. Reports of turbine Sikhs and people from other South Asian communities languishing on the radar because of their physical appearance continued to make rounds in media. As for our screaming man on a mission, he may be under psychological duress but there are many like him who have been brainwashed to preach the message of Islam by force. Propelled by the politicised slogan of “Islam in Danger,” they end up doing more harm for their beloved faith than they wish to inflict upon the “enemy.” *