Again the serpent is out from its hibernation. This time the main target is police force, though many die as a collateral damage. The easy targets are isolated police stations and their check posts in the far flung areas where a skeleton staff is present and often poorly equipped. The attacks on moving convoys, and the force members travelling in their private capacity have also been increased manifold. By the time the reinforcement reaches, the merciless trained terrorists would have already finished their mission inflicting heavy loss to the life and property.
More damning are its effects on the police force’s morale. In the current scenario, police officials are left feeling exposed and at risk, which is unsurprising given the precarious nature of their profession. This has understandably caused many to question the leadership’s capability and potency, particularly in terms of providing adequate protection and support to those in the line of duty.
Already having a hand to mouth living under the meagre salary, the grief-stricken family of a police constable foresees the bleak coming days. In recent years, the policy of compensating with a reasonable monetary amount is encouraging, however, the precious life is gone forever.
It is essential that when a law enforcer makes the ultimate sacrifice, they do so with the satisfaction that their life was given for a noble cause and profession. They should have the reassurance that their sacrifice will not be in vain, and their colleagues can be confident that their leadership is implementing an effective strategy to eradicate the root cause of the evil.
It’s time to introspect, rectify planning shortcomings, and take swift action to prevent further loss of life.
The political leadership and police high command often resort to archaic methods when dealing with terrorists, promising to teach them a lesson. Yet, the same old-school approach of obliterating entire hideouts perpetuates the cycle of terrorism. Though the terrorists are sent to hell, the collateral damage only ignites the flames of vengeance, allowing fresh blood to emerge from the ashes.
The problem of insurgency and calls for greater autonomy have persisted with Balochistan being a particularly troubled region. However, instead of addressing the underlying issues, the state and its pseudo-intellectual allies respond with forceful actions, enforced disappearances, and political bribery. The “kill and dump” policy in Balochistan, and its spread to other provinces, is a concerning reality that has devastating consequences. A more humane approach that prioritizes long-term solutions through due process is crucial to addressing this issue.
The endless political games have only made matters worse, with the root cause of the issue constantly hindered by political turmoil, bad governance, and excessive authority. Even when a sincere political leadership emerges, their reign is cut short, adding fuel to the fire.
Post-9/11 operations against the Taliban in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resulted in collateral damage and a rising tide of resentment among the Pashtun community. The extra-judicial killing of Naqeeb Ullah Mehsud was a clear instance of injustice, further exacerbating the issue. The latest statistics from Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies paint a worrying picture: 48 militant attacks in April 2023 resulted in 68 casualties and 55 injuries, indicating that the situation is far from over.
In recent times, dacoits in the riverine areas of Sindh and Punjab have openly challenged the authority of the police, resulting in the loss of many valiant officers’ lives. It is apparent that the current strategy employed by the police has been ineffective in curtailing this menace. Although the present leadership of Sindh/Punjab is undoubtedly capable of handling this issue, until the root cause is addressed, the challenge will persist, endangering the lives of innocent civilians and police personnel alike.
The dacoits in Katcha areas derive their power from the influential landlords, sardars-waderas, hidden hands and politicians who foster these criminals for their own selfish purposes, such as winning elections, silencing dissent and maintaining control over the region. The ruthless murder of Nazim Jokhio, who bravely spoke out against illegal hunting, is a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those who challenge the status quo. Aptly we have forgotten that fear of the government leads to tyranny, while fear of the people leads to liberty (Thomas Jefferson)
Appallingly powerful politicians and influentials have managed to escape justice despite clear identification and indictment, thanks to their undue influence. If the police leadership fails to take stern action against the landlords providing safe haven to dacoits, the Katcha area will remain a hub of criminal activity. It is concerning that these criminals continue to thrive due to such impunity.
‘One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws’, Alas! It is disheartening that some individuals resort to extra-judicial killings, despite the knowledge that it is an ineffective and unethical approach. The 1992 “operation clean up” against a political party and other such drives allegedly nurtured by powerful institution individuals, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of its workers in fake encounters. Meanwhile, thousands of innocent people were rounded up and released only for large sums of money.
The operation intriguingly spared the leaders, who returned to the arena with unabated pomp, garnering sympathy for their lost workers. The alleged “Jinnahpur plot” was subsequently denied by the Intelligence Bureau Chief, Brig Imtiaz Waraich, casting a shadow of doubt on the operation’s legitimacy.
To effectively combat terrorism, it is essential to improve intelligence sharing among different law enforcement agencies. This collaboration should be based on concrete evidence to ensure that criminals do not evade justice. Although eliminating terrorists is crucial, eradicating terrorism should be our ultimate objective.
It is imperative to acknowledge that a significant portion of these individuals have been led astray by their operators for personal gain. As members of our community, we must ask ourselves how much longer we wish to engage in conflict with our own people. Alongside necessary kinetic action, prioritizing negotiation, mainstreaming, and deradicalization efforts will prove beneficial in the long run.
Recognizing these realities can lead to significant progress in the fight against terrorism. By prioritizing such an approach, law enforcement can earn the respect it deserves and showcase its true abilities in promoting peace and security. There is no shortcut to glory and the best way to serve remains in the service of others in accordance with due process.
