It requires more than just negotiations
Balochistan, it seems, is now overtaking Fata in terms of turmoil and terrorism. Incidents of every kind are reported on an almost daily basis. From sectarianism to forced disappearances, to terrorism, to separatist movements to ethnic target killing, one is left flabbergasted at the way the province has become a hub of unrest and perennial carnage. The state’s writ appears to have waned into nothing while no man feels safe anywhere.
State security and law enforcement agencies are often targeted by the miscreants. The recent attack on a convoy of FC in Quetta, leaving two FC personnel and two civilians dead and almost three scores injured, is a stark reminder of how easily the terrorist networks can infiltrate our society and hurt us. The terrorists have set their mind on punishing the state security apparatus in an apparent effort to strike back because they feel that the state is cranking up the heat through army operations and drone strikes. This is one way they can show their anger to the government. But instead of going berserk and frantically seeking a short term solution, like a peace jirga or a conditional truce, the government needs to take them head on and handle them with an iron will matched with an iron fist. Unless it is done, they will keep finding ways to retaliate and will always remain a thorn in our sides.
Besides these terrorism incidents, ethnic target killing and sectarian violence in the province are other issues that require immediate attention and a carefully drafted solution. The Hazara community in particular is under attack in the province. Protecting them is the responsibility of the state, but when the state is unable to establish its writ and protect its own personnel and apparatus, there is no way ethnic, sectarian or religious minorities will feel any safer.
There may be a time for planning and negotiations but it is not now. Now is the time to reclaim the state’s writ and retaliate with such force that would break the proverbial backbone of the terrorists.