The fact that the governor has spoken openly, without restraint or the mincing of words, may perhaps have a silver lining. He has asked why the deaths continue in the presence of the Frontier Corps and police, deployed across Quetta and also other cities. This is certainly a question many of us would like to ask, and also get good answers to. The state of affairs in Balochistan is worsening as we watch. This is not something that can be tolerated — with distrust and hatred worsening by the day. The governor has warned that if things do not improve the army will need to be called out. This is something we need to avoid given the Baloch distrust for the military, as well as the paramilitary FC. While it is clear the killing spree needs to end, the question arises also of the need to think out a longer term solution for the province. They need to be dealt with in an organised manner, with all parties involved, so that a way can be found to restore the calm Balochistan so badly needs and restore peace to a province in chaos. A first much-needed step will be a halt to the abductions of suspected troublemakers.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
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Deploying Army will further damage the situation as in Kashmir.
*Slide into anarchy Or perhaps, 'Sliding into anarchy'?
Involving the military which has a direct role in adding to the fire is an outrageous suggestion. The political parties must take the ownership of the entire process least the situation spirals completely out of control. Emphasis be led on the fact that it's not an insurgency. It is in fact systematic killing of a community with the implicit and, at times, explicit support of the state.