Perception of drift
June 26, 2008 WITH militancy continuing to flourish in NWFP, fears are being expressed that the extremists might establish their hold over Peshawar unless measures are taken to stop them. The province and the adjoining tribal areas are currently facing a heightened activity on the part of militants and their moral brigades, infighting between militant groups and a non-stop sectarian fighting.
There were clashes in Swat after a lull on Tuesday, leaving 10 dead. On Sunday, armed men attacked three checkposts in Khyber Agency, kidnapping 17 Khasadars. In Khyber Agency, infighting between Lashkar-e-Islam and Ansarul Islam again erupted last week, taking a toll of dozens of tribesmen. The sectarian fighting between the Toori and Mangal tribes in Kurram Agency has over the last few months claimed more than 700 lives. During the last week, rival groups fought with heavy weapons and executed several kidnapped persons. Trucks sent with relief goods to the area have been looted and drivers abducted and killed. In South Waziristan, reports indicate that 28 Bhittani tribesmen of a 30-member peace committee, abducted earlier, were shot dead by a firing squad late Tuesday night and despite an understanding with the tribal administration, Mr Baitullah Mahsud's men have taken control of Jandola and a number of other towns after attacking pro-government tribesmen. Militant groups continue to operate around Peshawar and there are attacks on music and CD shops in the city giving birth to fears that the provincial capital where moderates have won the elections might fall to them.
While the NWFP government has made commendable efforts to bring peace to Swat, the region cannot remain under control for long if militants of all sorts are allowed to challenge the writ of the state in the adjoining areas. The government in Islamabad has for the last three months stood bogged down in the judicial crisis and is involved in grappling with the country's economic woes. With the departure of PML-N Ministers, comprising nearly half the cabinet, it is finding it difficult to concentrate on vital issues. The President who alone is constitutionally mandated to look after FATA is keeping his fingers crossed while Mr Rehman Malik, an un-elected Advisor on Interior Affairs with little vision or understanding of the complex issue, calls the shots issuing statements over the matter which he often contradicts the next day. There is thus a perception of drift on the part of the government. This renders it urgent to resolve the issues of the judges' restoration, the president's future and bringing back the PML-N in the federal cabinet. The country badly needs a head of state, who devotes full time to the improvement of the situation in FATA instead of spending time in palace intrigues.