Peace and justice: Govt urged to take action against terrorism

Activists oppose talks with extremists.

FAISALABAD:

Members of civil society said on Thursday that the government must adopt a firm strategy against terrorists to ensure the safety of the citizens.

Various civil society groups had gathered outside the Press Club for a candlelight vigil to honour Aitzaz Hassan of Hangu and SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan of Karachi.



Speaking on the occasion, the Peace and Human Development Foundation’s director, Suneel Malik, criticised the government for its willingness to hold talks with the terrorists.

He said the situation would not change unless the government took steps to control extremism, and holding dialogue with fundamentalists was useless.

The Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation Director Programmes Naseem Anthony expressed grave concern regarding the law and order situation. She said the situation required urgent attention from the government, state institutions and political parties.

Women’s rights activist Shazia George said, “It is the fundamental duty of the state to provide protection to the common man. Prevalence of criminal activities by terrorist groups indicates that the writ of the government is absent”.

“Police must be provided equipment to operate against heavily armed militant groups,” said Robin Daniel, a political activist.

A social activist, Irshad Parkash said that sectarianism would not come to an end unless textbooks were re-written. He said there was hate speech in sermons across Pakistan.

Shafiq Sharif, apolitical activist, said that terrorism could only be curbed through military action, and that terrorists should be brought to justice for targeting innocent people.”

The participants lit candles, and carried bouquets and portraits of Chauhdry Aslam and Aitzaz Hassan.

They also carried banners and placards stating demands for peace and justice for the two individuals who had “given away their lives to protect the lives of others”.

The event was organised by the Peace and Human Development and Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation, in collaboration with Idara Samaji Behbood, the National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan, SERVE NGO and the Human Rights Defenders’ Network.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2014.