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TRULY YOURS It’s time we address the terror issue: Points to ponder
Mohammad Ali Sattar
This year ended with one of our ruling party Member of Parliament killed by gunmen at his residence. The story that emerges is a repetition of what had happened in the past. The killer plan and execute those quite professionally.
As the world was reveling on the New Years Eve, terror struck Turkey. A gunman stormed a night club in Istanbul and gunned down 39 revelers of different nationalities. They were innocent and were only enjoying themselves.
So that’s how we started our New Year celebration.
It’s time we took these killings on a very serious note. The world at large ought to stand up and declare war against terrors, but not necessarily in a conflict mode.
While we should also retaliate with guns and killing, we also need to sit down with serious soul searching on our part for making things clearer as to why these terror acts are carried out.
First, the government should look deeply into their policies and treatment of minorities, immigrants and ethnics. In almost all developed economy, we have this racism issues. Some places (county, towns and precincts) are full of racist acts. From schools to work place to playing field to shopping malls – we have the issue of color and so-called lesser citizens.
Racist comments is heard everywhere in these countries. History of racism is as old as history itself. It has various shapes and forms. Regionalism is also an offshoot of racism. The top most cause of social conflict is racism and deprivation.
Secondly, a government should ensure all sorts of security and privileges for the minority, ethnic and immigrants of its country. The governments cannot afford to ignore their rights.
There are now government regulations in many countries that the minorities are not comfortable with because those do not suit their faith and way of life, like welfare benefits, employment opportunities, religion practice, dresses etc., in most of the cases the fresh immigrants or even ancient settlers are not taken in the fold of state benefits.
Thirdly, there should be a thorough research, monitoring and drawing plans for counter measure to stop terror attacks. How should we do it? A designated team should be tasked with finding out actual reason behind rise of terror.
Socio-economic deprivation is main cause of unrest, discontent and sense of frustration. Finally it ends up in physical attack and destruction of property.
Fourthly, in order to sustain peace and smooth functioning of the government machinery, dialogues must be carried out with all stake holders of the state. Special attention ought to be paid to minorities.
These days, religious issues are in the front. There must be a policy in place that guarantees ‘the right to self religion’. Continuous engagement with parties of different shades must be a routine exercise.
Next the states must have a positive attitude towards all and it should practice inclusive policies. Politics, social development and welfare, economic stability, resource distribution, health issues, education etc all must be ensured to all citizens who are living as legal residents of the country.
The benefit of inclusiveness is that there will sense of belonging in all. Participatory programs will give a positive outcome. But we should not lose sight of the fact that peaceful demonstrations and protests is also handled rudely by insolent and trigger happy governments.
In sum, terror acts needs to be arrested mainly because the victim of the terror attacks are mostly innocent souls who have nothing to do with the issues that causes these actions.
The world can only survive in peace, not in conflict. Conflict is the way to destruction.
Writer is a columnist and biographer
Email: malisattar@outlook.com