The attacks Mansehra has seen in recent months include one on a British charity in February 2008. Four Pakistani employees were killed and the organisation wrapped up activities in the country. The people they were assisting through various projects paid the price. Another international NGO was attacked this year and seven people were killed then. There have also been other strikes on security targets. The nature of a once peaceful urban centre, which acted as the base for relief activities in the aftermath of the October 2005 quake, has changed quite dramatically. Even the groups still based there are considering pulling out. The authorities need to review the situation urgently. The lawlessness in Mansehra poses a grave threat. It seems obvious that militants are able to operate at will across it, and until decisive action is taken this can only mean more attacks of the kind we saw on May 8.
Mansehra and militancy
The attacks Mansehra has seen in recent months include one on a British charity in February 2008. Four Pakistani employees were killed and the organisation wrapped up activities in the country. The people they were assisting through various projects paid the price. Another international NGO was attacked this year and seven people were killed then. There have also been other strikes on security targets. The nature of a once peaceful urban centre, which acted as the base for relief activities in the aftermath of the October 2005 quake, has changed quite dramatically. Even the groups still based there are considering pulling out. The authorities need to review the situation urgently. The lawlessness in Mansehra poses a grave threat. It seems obvious that militants are able to operate at will across it, and until decisive action is taken this can only mean more attacks of the kind we saw on May 8.
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