It is very convenient to forget that the locals of the tribal areas not only include Muslims, but also the Hindus and Sikhs. They have been the worst affected during the turmoil because of their beliefs. They have faced the brunt of the extremist elements active in the tribal areas. They have lost their properties and also had to pay extra taxes to the militants for the safety of themselves and their families. It is imperative that these minorities and their hardships should not be forgotten as they too are the citizens of our country.
The alarming increase in attacks on and exploitation of minorities demand a greater role to be played by the department of the police. Unfortunately, this is not the case and the police are being insensitive towards the rights which have been given to the minorities not only in our law but also in our religion. The recent failure of police in arresting the mafia involved in encroaching on Christian cemetery land in Muzaffargarh is one such example. It is time that the institution of police be sensitized and made aware of the seriousness of the insecurity which our minority communities are facing in the country.
YASIR HAMEED
Islamabad
