There is a dire need to constantly strive for the eradicating of the menace of sectarianism. Paying mere lip service to this need after every shocking incident is not the proper way to address the matter. Similarly, the Governor’s Rule or military intervention is hardly a permanent solution of the problem.
It is essential for the survival of democracy that justice should not only be done but also seen to have been done. Quick actions should be taken against the officers of the security agencies and the politicians holding public offices for their failure in the performance of duties. They are employed to protect the lives and property of the people. If they cannot do that, they have no right to remain in the office.
The government can utilize the services of media, religious scholars, lawyers, teachers and the experts to launch an effective campaign against sectarianism. All means should be adopted to mould public opinion against this menace. Special anti sectarianism laws should be enacted and the implementation of the existing laws ensured. The opposition as well as the security agencies should work together to achieve this goal. In the modern era a democratic government is expected to take such steps before the people stage sit-ins or demonstrate by another means in public. Our ruling political parties always call themselves democratic forces but are, perhaps, not aware of the democratic values yet.
SULEMAN MANSHA,
Lahore, February 20.