Since the primary problem around which the entire turmoil in Balochistan revolves is that of law and order, it must be viewed and addressed accordingly. The security situation in the current scenario is being handled in a most disturbing fashion where approximately five percent of the province is under Frontier Constabulary (FC) while the rest of the 95 percent is predominantly being monitored by the Levies. The Frontier Constabulary operates under the provincial government and is primarily installed to deal with border security issues and curbing the free flow of ammunition into the province. The Frontier Constabulary, despite being a cohesive and organised force, has been facing great threat from militants and criminal groups that have killed hundreds of FC soldiers so far.
The Levies, however, is a loosely knitted force that has not been appropriately trained for security responsibilities. They are being controlled by the local elite and according to authentic sources, many cases have been reported where affiliations with hardcore criminals and terrorists have been noted.
In this background, the security apparatus needs to be more organised and vibrant and ought to display professionalism so that they gain the trust and support of the people. Law enforcement in the backdrop of a complex and protracted insurgency is not a job for any Tom, Dick or Harry. This is something that the democratic government needs to realise and address without further delay. A well trained civilian force ought to be installed in the entire province.
The federal government needs to strengthen, support and empower the provincial government to make it more responsible towards its fundamental duties. Reforms need to be introduced and a democratic structure needs to be installed in the province to make it more dynamic and representative of all segments of society from all the districts.
The elected government should give top priority to the ignored province and its people by ensuring that required reforms are introduced to reverse the worsening law and order situation. This can only be possible by taking all the stakeholders on board to devise and implement a politically plausible strategy.
Trouble only settles in when the centre becomes unable to hold on to its constituent parts. It is never just the economic, political or social factors that take people to the brink of separation; it is a lack of trust, a lack of communication and a lack of ownership, love and compassion for each other that splits people and nations into worthless fragments.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
