Attack in Khyber Agency

Without focusing on development, militancy will not be defeated and will continue to haunt us

Despite what has already been a long war on terror, we do not seem close to winning it comprehensively — at least not yet. Despite the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan, and significant military successes there, the terrorists remain able to strike, and take the lives of the entirely innocent. In the latest such attack, a suicide bomber detonated his vest at a check post in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency, killing five, including two children. There have been no claims of responsibility, but the Lashkar-e-Islam, led by Mangal Bagh, is believed to be behind the attack. The group has, for years, been locked in a violent struggle against its rival, the Ansarul Islam. The area was reported to have been cleared of militants earlier this year, but its proximity to Afghanistan makes it easy to infiltrate, posing a strategic dilemma.

There is conjecture that the attack was retaliation for a drone strike that happened some days ago. This is perfectly likely. But it is also irrelevant. Attempting to understand the motives of killers is an impossible task. The key challenge is to counter these killers. We need both, short and longer term strategies. Yes, military action is required. But on its own, it is clearly not sufficient. We have seen this demonstrated at Tirah Valley where five funerals have been held and families plunged into deep mourning. It is obvious that ending militant violence is a difficult, demanding task. But it is one that is essential to our future. No country can survive under a cloud of constant fear. We need to plan. Militant outfits need to be broken up and their top leaders held. This process should, in fact, have begun a long time ago. The delay has permitted the militants to gain strength and plan new ways to terrorise. We also need to win over people in areas where they operate. Development, the prospect of job opportunities and education are the best ways to go about doing this. Without such schemes, militancy will not be defeated and will continue to haunt us, blighting our future and that of our children, too.

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

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