South Swathed in Terror
People in the south-western region of the country, it seems, have been condemned to the reign of terrorists. Fear of kidnappers keeps residents indoors once the day is done. But home no longer offers them a safe refuge. Behind the tightly-shut doors they spend every moment in anticipation for the worst. Same is the scenario everywhere. In some districts, joining the activists of outlawed political parties in engineering abduction, extortion and murder are small terrorist groups. In other districts even exponents of both ruling and mainstream opposition parties are involved in these criminal activities, it has been alleged. Fiercest foes on the political front, these activists appear in agreement when it comes to heinous acts of public discomfort. Businessmen are the worst victims of this prevailing lawlessness. Off and on, they receive letters on behalf of outlawed political extremists, asking for money. Refusal often leads to dreadful consequences.
The authorities concerned are apparently apathetic towards the public plight. Repeated complaints against the known criminals with police station have had very little impact except for jeopardising the complainant's life. On the whole it's a sad story of hapless mass resigned to reign of terror with an underlying suggestion that the system that ensures protection to citizens across the country is fast crumbling down. We are appalled and implore the people at the helm to employ maximum effort to clamp down on kidnappers, murderers and extortionists in this region. Their indifference suggests they have forgotten who pay their salary and who they should serve. Also, we would like our political leaders to keep a close vigil on their activists on the southern front and put them under a tight leash. Criminals should not be nurtured, they should be put in the dock and behind the bars instead.
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