Scene shifts to Chitral

Chitral is better known for its scenic and cultural attractions than it is for extremism, but this benign paradigm was turned on its head amidst scenes of violence after a man was alleged to have made blasphemous remarks in a mosque immediately after Friday prayers. He was beaten but rescued by the imam, who feared for the man’s life. The alleged blasphemer was taken by the imam to the police station which was swiftly besieged. There was firing and tear gassing as a crowd of as many as 3,000 tried to gain access to the alleged offender. Power lines were damaged in the firing resulting in outages.

As yet details are sketchy but it is being consistently reported that the man involved had a history of mental health problems that were well known in the community, and had been deported from the UAE in the last year because of these same problems. Doctors are reportedly assessing his mental health.

A host of troubling questions arise, one being around the safety and security of the Kalash communities that are indigenous to the Chitral region. The Kalash are not Muslims but follow an ancient animist tradition. They are considered by human rights organisations to be extremely vulnerable, being under pressure from the majority to abandon their faith. Then there is the wider question relating to the spontaneity of mob-formation at the merest suggestion that a blasphemy has been uttered or committed. Those mentally ill are especially at risk as they are afflicted by delusional states in which religion and expressions concerning religion are made. They are not wittingly blaspheming. A hyper-charged mob is not going to have such nuanced understanding and is unlikely to be reasonably persuaded.There is a dangerous trend towards blasphemy allegations being the triggers for what is approaching a national blood-sport. Innocent people caught in the trap are dying. An urgent review is required, though we have our doubts as to whether the competencies exist to conduct such.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2017.

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