One time too many
The Baloch Liberation Front’s (BLF) cold-blooded murder of approximately 20 construction workers from Punjab and Sindh must not only be condemned in the strongest terms, but both federal and provincial governments must finally move beyond their usual ineffective rhetoric and take decisive action this time. Such bold attacks have become a trend in the troubled province precisely because the government is not seen coming down hard on the perpetrators. Once again the BLF’s trade-mark xenophobia was on display; Punajbi and Sindhi workers were identified, lined up, and executed point-blank. To make matters worse, Levies deployed for the workers’ security were unable to stand up to the attack – reportedly carried out by 20-odd armed terrorists – and fled within minutes.
This, of course, is not the first time such an incident has taken place. Yet, despite the scale of the tragedy and public outrage, there is little different coming out of relevant houses of power. The official word, sadly, remains the same; such acts of violence will not be tolerated, Balochistan’s security will be improved, Pakistan will be rid of terrorism, etc. Interestingly, while taking credit for the attack, the BLF statement also mentioned that the workers were working on part of the Pak-China economic corridor which, according to the spokesman, would not benefit the people BLF represents. Yet the government seems in no rush. Not only is not seriously rebutting BLF’s false claims and apprehensions, it also seems in no mood to exercise necessary muscle.
It is obvious that BLF does not realise how its actions hurt its own cause. These were poor labourers, not government representatives or military personnel; with whom its followers may well have serious reservations, not that killing would be justified in any case. If anything, their actions play right into the charge that they receive help – of many sorts – from the enemies of the federation. That, of course, is why they are only too willing to sow seeds of discord whenever possible, conveniently disguising the hatred under the garb of nationalism. But this was neither patriotism nor nationalism, this was a blatant act of terror, one which amounts to war on the state. And it has happened one time too many. It is now for the state to take necessary action.
