Shock waves from insanity

Across Lahore, and indeed reverberating into many other cities, shock and rage continue over the arson attack committed at Joseph Colony on March 9, following an allegation of blasphemy against one of the residents of the Christian locality. Protests have been staged countrywide and a fund-raising drive began for the victims, who lost homes and all their possessions in the frenzied attack during which, at least, 100 homes were burnt. Tragic stories are emerging: a bride saw her dowry plundered and burnt on her wedding day; a schoolboy about to sit exams lost every book he possessed. The Rs500,000 announced as compensation for each family by the Punjab government will not heal all the scars.



In the city, enraged protesters clashed with the police at some points as the Metro Bus Service was attacked. Eye-witnesses also say that the police merely watched when the arson took place, doing nothing to stop the mob, which included many clerics. It must be pointed out that the Punjab government should have anticipated these protests and taken pre-emptive measures to control the violence. The police have now claimed to have arrested some of the protesters  though it remains to be seen if they will be convicted.

Meanwhile, fingers are also being pointed at the Punjab government. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights has suggested its links with extremists were a factor in what transpired. The inspector general of Punjab Police has been summoned before the Committee. In Peshawar, PTI chief Imran Khan has also said that the attack could have been prevented by the provincial government. The police in the city had seen the frenzy build but failed to react. The suo-motu notice of the matter taken by the Supreme Court should also bring more facts to light. It is becoming clear that there are many things we need to tackle head on if other incidents of a similar nature are to be prevented in the future. Perhaps, the protests that are taking place can help bring this about. But to do so effectively, we also need to deal with extremism on a wider level, while investigating the land mafia involvement in Joseph Colony and the terrible acts that took place there, tearing communities apart with each such incident.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2013.