Terrorists act from the shadows
A TTP spokesman has not only owned up to the twin suicide attacks that killed 27 in Quetta but has also threatened that his organisation would launch a bigger attack in future. Balochistan has been neglected by the ruling coalition and mismanaged by those who were sublet the province. While total attention was paid to the Baloch separatists, the Al-Qaeda and TTP networks were by and large ignored. This provided the latter category of terrorists with an opportunity to consolidate. Whether any organisation by the name of Quetta Shura exists or not is a scholastic issue. The arrest of al-Mauritani and his two other associates from the city is an indicator that some of the top Al-Qaeda operatives had taken shelter in the area. The prompt and deadly action to avenge their arrest shows that the organisation maintains a strong and effective network in the cantonment city.
The bomb alerts in two PIA planes that created a panic in midair are likely to be interpreted as acts of psychological warfare by the Al-Qaeda and TTP or their sympathisers. The aim was presumably to demoralise the general public and to discourage people from travelling with the PIA. The hoax could add to the multifarious woes of the national flag carrier and thus turn out to be an act of economic sabotage.
The terrorists act from the shadows. The most effective way to deal with them is to improve the working of the security agencies. What is further needed is to redefine their priorities. In Balochistan, the provincial government should be fully empowered to enter into talks with the Baloch nationalists. PPP Senator Lashkari Raisani claims that Baloch insurgents wanted to drop the guns and join mainstream politics. They should be encouraged through proper CBMs to become peaceful citizens while action should continue against the handful who are not willing to lay down arms. In the meanwhile, security agencies should concentrate on eradicating Al-Qaeda and TTP terrorists. As these organisations have a countrywide presence, extra measures have be taken to ensure the safety of the general public. Aeroplanes, railways, public places, government offices and educational institutions should be provided adequate security cover.
