The policy failed in Balochistan, it cannot succeed in Sindh
That Jeay Sindh Muttahida Muhaz (JSMM) is a separatist group is well known. While some of the groups branching out of GM Syed’s Jeay Sindh movement have joined mainstream politics, the JSMM aims at carving out a separate state called Sindhu Desh. A study of contemporary history would show that democracy is the best remedy against separatist tendencies as shown, among others, by Canada and Spain. The problem with the JSMM leadership is that it has renounced constitutional forms of struggle in favour of violence which no country can tolerate. It was on account of the network’s violent actions that it was banned recently. The methods being employed to suppress the group however are likely to produced unintended results.
The tortured bodies of two JSMM activists, reportedly taken away on April 24 by security agencies, were found lying on a link road in Dadu on Sunday. This led the network to announce a province-wide strike. Consequently there was a shut down in a number of towns in the interior of Sindh. The JSMM activists also blew up Railway tracks and set two trailers on fire. Two persons were killed and at least six others wounded when gunmen threw crackers and fired at buses, roadside restaurants and a police check-post.
That the group has over the last few years taken recourse to acts of terrorism and sabotage is indicative of weakness. The Sindhi masses continue to support mainstream parties. Despite their differences with the policies pursued by the centre, they are keen to resolve issues through democratic means and by forging alliances with mainstream parties. None of the nationalist groups is ready to support secession and all hope to settle the disputes in the context of a united Pakistan, albeit with greater autonomy for the provinces. The way JSMM is being dealt with by the agencies however raises questions. A number of its office bearers and activists have gone missing only to be found dead later, some bearing the telltale torture signs. The policy did not help in Balochistan. It has no hope of success in Sindh. Instead of repeating its mistakes the establishment should improve its intelligence gathering, shadow the banned outfit’s activists, collect evidence against those responsible for sabotage or violence and bring them to justice. High-handedness on the part of the agencies would project the JSMM as an aggrieved party and add to its sympathisers. The treatment would be condemned by HR organizations in Pakistan and abroad. A credible enquiry needs to be conducted in the kidnapping and killing of the JSSM activists and those found responsible punished.
