Editorial
Militants regrouping again?
The threat perception must be taken seriously
AN investigative report published in this daily suggests that the threat of a come back by some factions of extremist groups hovers over the head of the nation because of the rather relaxed attitude of the law enforcing agencies. Intelligence agencies are of the opinion that the current passivity of the militants is a possible lull before regrouping and mounting attacks on targets. It is feared that the arrested leaders are keeping in touch with their followers from inside the jails and might issue orders to launch attack through the network.
In order to contain proliferation of militancy in the country the government had taken a 12-point decision that included carrying out massive anti-militancy publicity campaign by the Ministry of Information focusing on suspected localities, elements and religious institutes. But one year later it appears that little has been done to implement those measures to create greater social awareness against militancy. As a result, we fear, militants in jail or those still at large might take the slackened attitude of the law enforcing agencies as an opportunity to carry out their design with an ulterior motive. There is the additional fear that militants in jail might brainwash other inmates to join their bandwagon.
Historically, obscurantist elements could never contribute to the welfare of the people or to the development of science and technology to take the nation forward. Having their faces turned backward, they have only brought unending suffering for the people and death and destruction on themselves. A nation, therefore, must employ resources at its disposal to eliminate militancy and create the environment for democratic rule to find root.
We are worried at the possibility of beleaguered militant groups regrouping owing to the complacency on the part of the law enforcing agencies. It is crucial that they conduct periodic raids to flush out militants from their hideouts. Besides, motivational and awareness building programmes ought to be taken up to instill the non-violent spirit of Islam amongst the people throughout the country.
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