WHILE Muharram is a time of mourning and reflection, in this age of rampant militancy and sectarianism, the month also poses a significant security challenge to the state. Particularly during the first 10 days of Muharram, thousands of people nationwide congregate in mosques, imambargahs and other venues to participate in majalis and other religious activities, while mourning processions are also taken out. With such a large number of people gathering in public places and on the move across towns and cities, militants and extremists are constantly looking for opportunities to exploit the situation. Every year, a few days before the start of Muharram, the state comes alive and swings into action, rounding up suspected hatemongers, hosting meetings of ‘peace committees’ featuring clerics of various persuasions, and taking other steps to ensure the mourning period passes off without incident. Over the past few days, the administrations of various areas have been taking such measures. As reported on Wednesday, two suspected militants belonging to the banned sectarian outfit Lashkar-i-Jhangvi were arrested in Karachi by the Counter-Terrorism Department. Meanwhile, the entry of nine clerics has been banned by the Gilgit-Baltistan administration.

All these steps are par for the course. However, the administration also needs to keep an eye on individuals on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. This watch list contains the names of individuals suspected of involvement in extremist activities. But as reported from Rawalpindi the other day, 14 individuals on the Fourth Schedule have been “found missing”, whereas the police are supposed to keep track of their movements. To ensure a peaceful Muharram, such individuals must be monitored closely. Moreover, at the first sign of trouble, rabble-rousers and hatemongers must be apprehended and prosecuted to send a strong message that the state will not tolerate such mischief at this sensitive time. Members of various communities must also work with the government to ensure religious events are observed without incident.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2017