Unity of Afghans only way of salvation

Wednesday, 23 November 2016 04:41 Written by Heart of Asia Read 332 times

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Efforts to stoke up ethnic and religious tensions in Afghanistan have been intensified, and elements who have failed to incite ethnic divisions and escalate them into a conflict have now resorted to fuel sectarian strife in the country. As part these attempts, a suicide attack targeted a Shia mosque on Monday in Kabul, leaving behind as many as 80 casualties, including women and children, who had gathered to commemorate the end of Al-Arbaeen, the 40-day mourning period of Ashura.

Although Afghanistan briefly witnessed sectarian violence during the civil war, the current situation is incomparable with that time. Afghans who have experienced and suffered from sectarian violence are, on no account, willing to go back to those black days. The people of Afghanistan now know better than ever that unitedness is their only way to salvation.

Attacks such as the Monday mosque bombing in Kabul are mostly viewed as a harbinger and menace of eruption of sectarian violence; however, if Afghan politicians and people exercise tact and wisdom, not only can they thwart the vicious schemes of enemies, but such incidents can also further unite Afghans. Afghans are now sure they are all in the same boat with a shared fate; they will swim together or God forbid will drown together.

Now is the time to test politicians and individuals who describe themselves representatives of the people. Together with the government, these political figures should strive to keep Afghans united by averting divisions because it is the only way to overcome the current problems. Regardless of ethnic and lingual considerations, they should inform the people that Afghans face a common enemy who should also be fought against as one. Blame game rather deepens the woes, and is, in a way, “pouring water into the enemy’s watermill” to accomplish their goals. It is time to stand out against the common enemy with one voice irrespective of political, sectarian, lingual and ethnic differences. Afghans need unanimity and fraternity more than ever and more than anything else to pass and emerge triumphant from this formidable and historic try-out.

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Nangarhar security craving keen attention

Nangarhar was considered one of the country’s most secure provinces until a few years back. In addition to the capital of this eastern province, many of its districts were safer than other areas of the country. Although located on the border with Pakistan -- the Taliban’s main backer, the militants were not able to gain as much foothold as in other provinces. After 2014 when reports of Daesh’s emergence in the province surfaced, the security situation in the province has been deteriorating. Besides districts, now Jalalabad as one of the country’s major population centers is faced with serious security challenges.
Two things simultaneously threaten Nangarhar security. The insurgents – both Taliban and Daesh – on the one hand, and irresponsible armed men and mafia networks on the other hand have turned the province into a hell for its residents. Militant activities are not limited to only this province; it is a common issue across the country, which the government has unfortunately failed to tackle. If the government has strong will, it can curb the issue of irresponsible armed men and racketeers with its existing resources. If the government clears the path for fight against corruption and proper utilization of existing potential by purging regional administrations of mafia, it can confront at least this menace.
The cause of the recent spate of violence and insecurity in Jalalabad is irresponsible gunmen and mafia networks. Doctors in Jalalabad have gone on strike for the last few days, saying they are threatened. They claim that two doctors have been killed, a number of them have been kidnapped, and tens more have been intimidated over the last six months for refusing to pay money to racketeers. The striking doctors have given the government ten days to take concrete actions for their security, or else they will quit their jobs.
The government may fabricate pretexts for the continuation of militant activities, yet it cannot find any justification for the threats faced by doctors in Jalalabad city. Despite the complaints of doctors, the central government unfortunately has not taken satisfactory measures, and paid keen attention to issue. The government has to pay undivided attention to the life threats faced by doctors, and not allow this class, which is needed more than ever in the society given the country’s critical situation to suspend their operation.