Wooing alienated citizens

The dismal economic conditions affecting the majority of the people, the growing chasm between the government and the discontented masses, divisive elitist politics, and rising militancy and violence have enhanced internal security risks. The earlier successes achieved by the military in subduing fanaticism have not been consolidated by economic development that could bring peace and prosperity to the areas devastated by armed conflicts. And so many precious lives are being lost. The situation, however, is marked by a positive development; the senseless killing of innocent men, women and children is triggering loud protests by scores of thousands of helpless people in the areas hit by terrorism. It indicates the Taliban’s faltering grassroots support in its heartland despite the suspected patronage of invisible forces. The nation is paying a heavy price for keeping the country’s predominantly tribal and feudal belts economically, politically and socially backward. The belt has been the primary breeding ground of extremism. Nor does the insurgency in Baluchistan seem to be petering out.