The resurgence of terrorism

Atta Ullah Khan

On October 28 residents of Bannu took to the street in hundreds of thousands to protest the resurgence of terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the government negligence of the creeping militancy in the province. Participants of the peace rally urged the state to take stringent action against terrorists, and restore peace in the area. Prior to this, several demonstrations and peace marches were held in Swat, Khyber, Kurram, Tank, Lakki Marwat and other districts against the deteriorating peace and security situation in the province. The massive peace protest was organized by Swat Olasi Pasoon and Swat traders alliance in which thousands of people gathered to demand restoration of peace. Unfortunately, the country’s political situation does not let it to be heard and discussed in the power corridors.

Peace rallies and demonstrations are held across the province but their voice is not heard in the media. No TV channel gives news coverage and no media outlet arranges a talk show to highlight the issue. The deteriorating peace and security situation in ex FATA is not reported in the mainstream media. It reflects the sheer level of hypocrisy and double standard of Pakistani media. It is neither free nor impartial and dispassionate.

The first sort of high level meeting of National Security Committee (NSC) was convened on 14 October so far to discuss the pervasive acts of terrorism in KP. It was decided in the meeting that National Counter-Terrorism Authority to assume the central role in counter insurgency actions. But it is yet to devise a concrete strategy to deal with the resurging terrorism. On the other hand the current political turmoil has hazardous repercussions for the country in the long run.

The resurgence of terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa particularly in merged districts is alarming. They have re-established training camps where they hire and train new recruits and from where they conduct terrorist activities. This menace has sprawled over large swaths of Ex-FATA. Besides their terrorist activities, they have infiltrated in the public arena. People invite them for mediation and conflict resolution. They are getting foothold in their former strongholds. They have intensified terrorist activities across the province.

The current audacious assaults on military personnel and facilities are the testament of it. Two army personnel were killed as a result of attack on Army in Dera Ismael Khan on October 28. On October 30, a policeman was gunned down and four other were fatally injured during an onslaught on paramilitary fortification in Tank. Last week, Shoib Hassan, a resident of Parachinar, was abducted by terrorists but later he was rescued from their captivity after a fierce battle between the locals and terrorists near Afghanistan border. In my area, Jani Khel, terrorists have banned musical functions and cultural performances such as dancing and singing in public. They try to implement Shari’ rule, (ostensibly perhaps, to get sympathies of the laymen) in the region. So is their core demand from the government in the recent negotiations with the latter. This calls into question the presence of Army there in the region.

Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has heyday in Waziristan. In a recent video circulating on social media in which Taliban operatives can be seen relocating in the mountains of South Waziristan. These warmongers are wandering all around freely without any fear and threat. The attempts of extortion and targeted killings have become a routine business. This calls into question the presence and deliverance of the Army. As we know that the military establishment does not want to and will not extirpate completely the ‘project Taliban’ but the coalition government can be expected to do so.

The mistake that the current government is making repeatedly is to parley with the outlawed terrorist organization. It has two repercussions. One, it gives a huge incentive to the organization which boosts their personnel’s esprit de corps as we witnessed in the case of Afghan Taliban. Negotiations with TTP will not culminate into any fruition rather it will buttress their cause and morale. Second, the procrastination on the part of the government is tantamount to giving them a free hand. The longer you wait, the more formidable they will become. If we want to curb it then concrete action against them is indispensable.

We should keep in mind that terrorists, be it TTP or Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan can not be our well wishers. Neither can they be trusted. We have to take any step with prudence and caution.

We demand Peace!

Note: The author holds degree in International Relations from University of Sargodha, and has expertise in terrorism, extremism, regional connectivity and globalization.
Artwork: “Peace Nor War”