Time for political parties, media and institutions of civil society to play their role
The distraction caused by the Azadi march and the Inqilab march has taken attention away from the existential fight the army is waging against the terrorists in North Waziristan Agency. Similarly, the IDPs who were gradually becoming the focus of attention have also been forgotten. The statement by the COAS should therefore serve as a timely reminder to everyone not to lose sight of national priorities.
It is heartening that the army leadership is resolved not to allow the terrorists to return to NWA which they had made an epicentre of international terrorism. There is a need to fully cleanse the Agency of all types of militants without discrimination. Equally important is to conduct the operation with the full cooperation of the local population wherever it is still present. Even after the menace of terrorism has been eradicated, much more will have to be done by the army and the civilian authority together to ensure that there is no recurrence of the phenomenon. Among the foremost measures that need to be undertaken is an early resettlement of the affected population which will require allocation of sufficient funds for the reconstruction of the area and economic assistance to dislocated families to enable them to revive their means of livelihood. Structures of tribal authority destroyed by the militants will also have to be set up again.
Extremist thinking which provides the terrorist networks a regular supply of recruits cannot be eradicated by military means. What is needed is the promotion of a democratic culture that inculcates the values of tolerance and pluralism. Textbooks taught in schools have to promote broad-mindedness and respect for other faiths and sects. Mainstream political parties, media and institutions of civil society have to be harnessed to do the job by the state through a proactive policy. The operational gains made in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Swat and other tribal areas can only be consolidated if democracy is allowed to work and gather strength.