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June 14, 2007
Am I Justified in Becoming Suicide Bomber?
By Muhammad Khurshid
Rulers must show sincerity in the war on terrorism otherwise the time is not far away when the peaceful citizens will be left with no other option to adopt the same tactics being used by the terrorists. Peaceful citizens will also follow in the footsteps of terrorists. They may also become suicide bombers.
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Some times I lose the hope and at that moment my mind starts negative thinking. However, my religion and my belief has forbidden me from negative thinking and advises me to be patient. But I am not so strong and some time my nerves broke down.
In my life, several times, I have thought to become a suicide bomber. I am also guilty to even think of such a big crime like suicide bombing, but mainly, I will put the responsibility on the rulers for forcing me to think negatively.
Pakistan has taken administrative control of Bajaur Agency, tribal areas for some 50 years, but still there is no administration. The terrorists and criminals in disguise of Taliban have been killing us, but the government of Pakistan has just been playing the role of a silent spectator.
The government is reluctant to initiate action against Taliban. From the inaction of the rulers of Pakistan an impression has been created in the areas that these criminals have been enjoying the support of the rulers.
It is ironic to note here that on the one hand, rulers of Pakistan have pledged full support to the United States in war on terrorism, but there are still some officials within the government, who have been supporting terrorists. The terrorists and criminals have been enjoying full freedom in carrying out the attacks on peace loving people.
In the present circumstances, the tribesmen have been left with no other option, but to resort to violence. We are being forced to adopt the same methods adopted by the terrorists. The rulers have forced us to carry out suicide attacks on the terrorists.
Now there will be another type of war. Are we justified in carrying out suicide attacks?
I think the time is not far away when the citizens of United States, like the tribesmen, will be left with no other option, but to resort to suicide bombing. Before reaching that time we should force the rulers to change their behavior. Solution to all issues confronted by the world is the rule of law.
The United States is the sole super power so she had the responsibility to take steps for rule of law. Tribal areas are also part of this world so establishing rule of law there is must.
A story of AP stated that Taliban and terrorists have been strengthening their positions. It reports pro-Taliban militants have transformed the once-bustling community here into a city under siege. Following militant raids on government offices, business and a school, Tank's streets and bazaars are largely empty. An opposition politician and tribal elder believes that one-third of the residents have fled the city.
"The government has lost its writ in Tank," said Sardar Ahmed Gul. "Every evening there is shooting and people cannot go out."
The government's crumbling authority over towns like Tank in the NWFP suggest that President General Pervez Musharraf is failing to rein in extremism as Islamic militants broaden their influence beyond the lawless regions that border Afghanistan. It also raises questions about the prospects of success for Washington's anti-terrorism efforts in the region.
Observers blame the surge in violence in Tank on fighters filtering in from South Waziristan. On March 28, scores of militants attacked government buildings and businesses for several hours, killing one soldier and kidnapping a high school principal who tried to prevent them from recruiting students. He was freed, but the violence persisted and militants killed around 13 people last month.The army has also come under attack, with six soldiers being killed by three bombings this year.
Now, Tank is off-limits, even for its 150,000 residents and the fear is that it and other nearby districts are slipping into the hands of Islamic fundamentalists.
At a meeting of his National Security Council last week, Musharraf told authorities that "the militants must be taken head on, security of vital places be beefed up and activities of suspected elements be strictly monitored". He pledged to provide the provincial government with more police, vehicles and equipment. But doubts exist about both his willingness and ability to control the militants, because he relies heavily on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), a religious party, to mediate with militant groups in the region.
Samina Ahmed, a South Asia expert at the International Crisis Group think tank, views the JUI as a "political front" for militants. She said the party never criticises militant activities in Tank, instead blaming the government for "stirring up a hornets' nest" by launching counter-terrorist operations in the area.
"There is a serious rift between these militants and the JUI," said Rahimullah Yusufzai, an expert on tribal affairs. "Some of them had links with the JUI in the past, then they were radicalised and they want the JUI to be more radical, too."
Awami National Party chief Asfandyar Wali has accused Musharraf of deliberately allowing the violence to convince his foreign backers that he is needed to control Pakistan. Shopkeepers in Tank are merely worried about their safety. "No one wants put his life at risk in such an uncertain situation," said Qibla Khan, who supports a family of 10 by selling fruit and vegetables. "We all are worried about our and our kids future. We cannot live in such a constant state of fear and worry."
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Muhammad Khurshid, a resident of Bajaur District, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border is journalist by profession. He contributes articles and news stories to various online and print newspapers. His subject matter is terrorism. He is also heading Voice For Peace working against terrorism in tribal areas. The aim of the Voice For Peace is restoration of peace in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas and whole world. He is looking for freelance and correspondent work from media organizations, to cover the part of the world where Al Qaeda and the Taliban are most active.