A human calamity

Pakistan, still bogged down in an internal political crisis and precarious economic conditions, would find it hard to feed and clothe these helpless people from Bajaur who have been forced to migrate from their homes either after being directly affected by the armed action or simply to escape bombings and shelling. Or have they been forcibly driven out in an attempt to ensure that the 'collateral damage' remains at the minimum? Reportedly, the UN office in Pakistan has set up 34 camps in the NWFP where it would be able to provide shelter to about 40,000 families. But would the $10 million the UN intends spending on hygiene, health, education, food and rehabilitation of these people be enough to take care of these needs and for how long? The answer constitutes a ringing indictment of the operation launched at the behest of the US and against the national interest. The entire strategy of tackling militancy needs to be reviewed urgently.