Extremism: Challenge to national solidarity

Extremism: Challenge to national solidarity – Daily Notable

The mayhem and turbulence of sectarian antagonism has jettisoned the coexistence phenomenon among sects and highlighted the internecine conflict between Shia- Sunni.

Pakistan inherited the tolerable level of Shia- Sunni schism from the British Raj that worsened to the despicable level in the wake of Islamic Revolution of Iran (1979), Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and ulterior support and funding to the partisans of this sectarian war.

The pernicious nexus between regional and international terrorist organizations is more threatening as they have given precedence to regional identities rather than religious identities as the recent massacre of 11 coalminers belonging to Hazara community is gruesome manifestation of inexorable strategy of killing minority Shias.

At this critical hour, the action of state requires to be more prudent and pragmatic instead of exhibiting insouciance apathy towards mourners.

The Hazara Shia in Pakistan have been persecuted and targeted by Sunni Sectarian outfits in the recent past and spike in terrorist acts increased after 9/11.

The Hazara belong to central Afghanistan, a marginalized community in Kabul. The subjugation of Hazarajat in the year 1891 by Amir Abdul Rahman of Afghanistan triggered mass exodus of Hazaras to Khorasan, Turkestan and Pakistan.

The migration continued till the year 1901. The Hazara started to settle in Quetta between the 1930’s and 1960’s. The process of settlement never receded after that.

The state should listen the grievances and toils of Hazara. They are crest-fallen, dejected and in a miserable state of decrepitude. The consolation will go a long way to soothe their resentment and message of solidarity will resonate to baulk the terrorists.

The dichotomy of response at national level reflects fragile and frazzle political will and this is really ominous for the integration and cohesion of society.

Intimidation is palpable and state apathy towards the grievance of Hazara would be disastrous as it would give the message of impuissance and capitulation on the part of state.

It is a wholesome fact that Shia community participates in the political system as Majlis-Wahdat-Ul- Muslimeen (MWM) is the political face of Shia Clerics.

The Hazara community in Quetta (Balochistan) is facing perpetual terrorist onslaughts by proscribed outfits Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Daesh. It is high time that state should come forward and wriggle out the ghettoized Hazara community and provide them protection against terrorists especially Taliban predominates.

The swathe of Balochistan has become hotbed of sectarianism and terrorism. The Scourge has claimed countless precious lives.

This wave of terrorism can be eliminated by enlightening the youth and setting right the frayed state of affairs in the neglected areas.

There must be strong check on possible digital networks and hate spewed web-sites. Intensive resources are the need of the hour. The troubled time requires disinfection of youth from the fanged propaganda of anti-state elements. Sectarianism is the root cause of all evils of terrorism and violent extremism.

The sit-in is already finished after affirmation by Government Authorities. The Hazara mourners have buried the coffins of coal miners in the midst of tear. It is a prudent decision by state that they have accepted the demands put forth by Hazara community. It is pledged that Prime minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa will soon visit Quetta and condole the bereaved family.

The state should do robust efforts to establish harmony among different sectarian, ethnic and cultural patches of society which can guarantee a strong patriotic bond.

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The role of media is very crucial not only as a de-sensitizer of social environment but as a part of executing structure as well. Print, visual and social media have a distinct paramount impact in the crafting of the viewpoint of general masses.

Pakistani Media can play a pivotal role in shaping the thinking process and devise a particular narrative of belittling the misplaced ideology of stray militants. The process of harmonization demands meticulous tackling of demographic challenges, irresistible educational reforms, better justice and protection of individual liberty.

The brutal killing of coal miners is a clarion call for state and security forces that terrorists are raising their ugly heads again to topple the order and equilibrium, which was achieved after rendering untold sacrifices of civilians, police and armed forces. In order to stop the mayhem, all stakeholders should work in consonance to develop harmony and cohesion in society.

All the political and religious parties should think beyond their vested interests. In order to kill the giant of obscurantism, it is essential to exterminate the terrorist elements through kinetic and non kinetic means.

The redressal of grievances of Hazara should be on the priority list. The sectarian ravine needs to be abridged through harmony among sects as Sectarian discord and violence has eaten up the coexistence and reconciliation process.

The culprits of Mach terrorist incident should be apprehended at the earliest to heal the bruise of grief -stricken Hazara community. The terrorists want to cultivate fear through such dastard events but our unity and solidarity will act as a deterrent to counter the inhumane acts of terrorism. – PUNA