Attack on PPP rally
We do not want a recreation anywhere else, least of all in Sindh, which suffers its own potential for political chaos.
We appear to be in a rather unique situation where violence arrives at our doorstep in an increasing variety of ways, claiming new lives and adding fresh dangers to the dangers that already stalk our country. The killings at a PPP rally held near Khairpur in Sukkur occurred unexpectedly, claiming seven lives, including those of three journalists, while 10 others were left injured. This created panic and mayhem at the event, which allowed the shooters to escape unchallenged. The incident took place just before the arrival of MNA Nafeesa Shah, daughter of the chief minister of Sindh.
The rally was organised by the Khairpur municipal administration in support of the new local government law in Sindh, passed a few days ago by the provincial assembly. At present, it is assumed that the shooting was carried out by forces in Sindh who oppose the law. Others suggest it was a local rivalry between two groups of the clan of Janwari. However, before pointing fingers and causing further suspicion, it would be wise to wait for the findings of the inquiry. The very last thing we need on our hands is the spread of more hatred leading to further deaths and incidents of brutality in the region. It is precisely this rampant spread of mob violence that needs to be checked. The masses at large need to be persuaded that violence does not offer a solution to our problems and will, in fact, only aggravate them. The results of such actions resulting in death can be seen in the anarchy that runs through Balochistan. We do not want a recreation anywhere else, least of all in Sindh, which suffers its own potential for political chaos.
The realisation that violence solves nothing will not be easy to create. Each new incident, such as the one in Khairpur, creates more mistrust and greater anger. The political parties need to show maturity and wisdom if hatred is to be overcome. Right now, this initiative needs to be taken by the PPP and it must act quickly before we see other such pointless occurrences of aggression.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2012.
The rally was organised by the Khairpur municipal administration in support of the new local government law in Sindh, passed a few days ago by the provincial assembly. At present, it is assumed that the shooting was carried out by forces in Sindh who oppose the law. Others suggest it was a local rivalry between two groups of the clan of Janwari. However, before pointing fingers and causing further suspicion, it would be wise to wait for the findings of the inquiry. The very last thing we need on our hands is the spread of more hatred leading to further deaths and incidents of brutality in the region. It is precisely this rampant spread of mob violence that needs to be checked. The masses at large need to be persuaded that violence does not offer a solution to our problems and will, in fact, only aggravate them. The results of such actions resulting in death can be seen in the anarchy that runs through Balochistan. We do not want a recreation anywhere else, least of all in Sindh, which suffers its own potential for political chaos.
The realisation that violence solves nothing will not be easy to create. Each new incident, such as the one in Khairpur, creates more mistrust and greater anger. The political parties need to show maturity and wisdom if hatred is to be overcome. Right now, this initiative needs to be taken by the PPP and it must act quickly before we see other such pointless occurrences of aggression.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2012.