More clarity
Finally, it took the Supreme Court to suggest to the government to make the list of proscribed outfits public. It is common knowledge that many such groups continue to operate despite the ban, often describing themselves as charities, which facilitates raising funds. But reports that close to a hundred banned groups are active in Punjab alone, especially at this point in the war against terrorism, are alarming. This means the government machinery is far too behind the curve for comfort. Funds are the lifeline of groups that challenge the state’s writ. And the government has itself to blame for allowing many of them to continue deceiving the people into contributing funds.
It is not just that the public should be aware who they are dealing with. The government must now ensure that outlawed groups are no longer able to hoodwink the government, and the people, by reorganising under new names and banners. JuD is an interesting example. The government has not banned it, but frozen its funds. But its chief has publically announced setting up another religious organisation. How the government moves on such cases, and madrassas red-flagged by the security establishment, will tell a lot about its real resolve against militancy.
This is, of course, a pivotal moment in the war. Zarb-e-Azb has hit the TTP heartland, but many of their sympathisers are far removed from that theatre of war. They operate in urban centres, and some have enjoyed patronage for quite a while. But now that the fighting has escalated, they are desperate for more funds and arms. That is why cutting this lifeline is of the utmost importance. Making people more aware is a logical step in this direction. Much of the country, especially the periphery, is conservative, and openly makes donations to madrassas and mosques. Militant groups should no longer be allowed to exploit this space. And ensuring they don’t is the government’s responsibility.
