TLP 2.0 sit-in

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad had been at a standstill for almost a week. The TLP was back on the streets, and the junction linking the two cities was under siege. The standoff was called off on Friday evening as an agreement was reached, ushering in a sigh of relief. There are no words to describe the ordeal faced by millions of commuters all these days. The district administration and the Islamabad Police, which otherwise are seen quite proactive when it comes to cracking down on political agitations, were clueless and in a state of capitulation. That for many is tantamount to appeasement and hints at the cross-currents of vested interests that usually come into play at times of astute exigency, and when the chips are down.

This TLP 2.0 agitation was a grim reminder of their yesteryears’ sit-down at the same site, which led to violence and a controversial sign-off that came under the writ of the judicial hammer. But, it seems we are too poor at learning lessons, and it is quite surprising that no effort was undertaken by the local administrations to stop the marching caravans till they assembled; had the audacity to block the entire neighbourhood; and set-up tents on the flyover. The Police and concerned quarters were apparently in a slumber. Moreover, there was a silence of the lambs in reporting the miseries that citizens and transporters were facing for the ill-will and inefficiency of the government and its bureaucracy.

While the demands of the religio-political party pertained to the plight of hapless Palestinians, and were centred on the writ of the federal government, there was no point in holding commoners hostage to it. This deal could have been reached much earlier, as the TLP had been clamouring in the wings for long. A similar sit-in by Jamaat-e-Islami near the Constitution Avenue in the federal capital in May and June resulted in severe hardships to its residents. This selective ballgame of administrations to play carrot and stick is unbecoming of civil governance. Elements creating inconvenience, without lawful permission, must be taken to task without any consideration and bias.