LEAs need to stay a step ahead
The suicide bombing of the house of a senior police officer in Karachi is the latest attack aimed at demoralising the police and the general public. In November last year, the TTP had blown up a CID building in the city where activists of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi were being interrogated, killing 24 on the spot and injuring hundreds. In the present case, the target was the SSP heading the counter-terrorism unit of the CID that was interrogating the TTP militants. Despite the traumatic experience that he has gone through, the officer has expressed determination to continue to pursue the criminals. He deserves the gratitude of all those whose lives he was trying to save by unraveling the terrorist network.
The task undertaken by members of the intelligence community is hazardous. This is all the more so when police officers are called upon to track and neutralise organised crime that encompasses gangs of narcotics smugglers and misguided but highly motivated militants fighting for dubious causes all over the world. Those undertaking the task put their life on stake as the quarry frequently overtakes and strikes at the stalker. Mexican narcotics smugglers have killed numerous police officers. Two years back they ambushed 12 of them and dumped their bodies at a public place. Basque militants, seeking a separate homeland have over the years killed several police officers in Spain. In Pakistan, terrorists belonging to various groups affiliated with the TTP and Al-Qaeda have targeted scores of law enforcement officials. What provides strength to the police officers who continue to fight the desperadoes is a determination to serve their country and a pride in the mission they have undertaken. It is a task that only highly dedicated spirits are capable of performing satisfactorily.
While the services of those rendering sacrifices for the country have to be duly appreciated there is also a need on their part to improve their working and to be better informed and more efficient. The terrorists are not only determined but also resourceful. To defeat them the security agencies have to be a step ahead of them.