According to police officials, a procession of traders that were protesting against delay in repairs of a transformer was attacked by assailants atop a building poured acid on them. Some 31 people suffered severe burn injuries. Whatever the reason behind this incident, throwing acid on a procession of people is a great violation of human rights. One wonders how did the assailants managed to buy acid in such large quantities that they could pour it at random on a whole procession and cause as many as 31 causalities? Do we have any law or prohibition on sale of acid in the market? Is there any example of severe punishment handed down to an acid-thrower? These are disturbing questions that pertain to laxity or absence of law enforcement in the country. The use of acid in mutual disputes has become a routine practice and is especially in wide use against women. How do the criminals that use it approach the concerned departments and what sort of reasons they present to acquire an item that has become a cheaper weapon than all others? Is there any license for purchase of this...weapon? -BACHA HUSSAIN, Karachi, July 9.