August 30, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 27, 1429

LAHORE, Aug 29: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti, asking them to urgently address the security concerns and ‘irregularities’ in Swat operation.

It urges them to ensure that the local population is not targeted by a ‘haphazard’ military operation, and facilitate the internally-displaced persons.

In a letter to both leaders, HRCP chairperson Asma Jahangir said the commission had been anxiously following the security situation in Swat district. “We are aware that it is a difficult and complex issue, but the recent developments are extremely alarming. Reports from the district show that the lives of the residents are at great risk despite the military operation.

“The individuals capable of building public opinion against militancy and excesses of the security forces are being targeted and some have lost their lives. Others are at risk and can be targeted any moment.

“According to our information, neither the federal nor the provincial government has been able to assist those who are fleeing the area due to desperate circumstances. We have received worrying reports of attacks on women who are now stranded in the district and despite calls to the security forces, have received no protection from them.”

Demanding that the government should draw up an effective strategy to protect peaceful citizens from militants, the HRCP head claimed having received information that the military operation was highly flawed.

“There are incidents in which innocent citizens had to fight for their lives on their own against militant groups while the security forces looked on and failed to protect those under siege. At least in one incident, even the women in the house had to pick up arms to defend themselves but they met a tragic end.

“Those who risk their lives by providing information to the security forces about militant groups and criminals are betrayed,” the letter pointed out.

The HRCP had a number of testimonies indicating that the factions within the security forces were working hand in glove with the militants against the interests of the civil population of the area, the letter alleged. The situation, it added, would lead to civil strife and even a greater exodus of those who had stayed behind in the hope that the government would act on their behalf.

Asma Jehangir said the locals had pointed out that the operation was without a direction and targeting civilian population rather than the militants. They had given numerous examples where militants could have been apprehended or attacks on civilians could have been averted had the security forces acted with diligence.

The commission called upon the government to take immediate steps to provide military convoys and protection to those who wish to evacuate the district and arrange for proper shelter for such internally-displaced persons. The civilian government both at the federation and in the province must monitor the situation and keep their lines open to the local population who could inform them on the ground realities.

It further demanded that a high-powered multi-party delegation of parliamentarians visit the area and hold consultations with the Swat population so that a true picture emerges.