IN order to take a firm stand against intolerance, it is imperative that the state, civil society and progressive members of the clergy address the key factors fuelling hate in the country. In this regard, a panel of civil society experts conducted a ‘people’s inquiry’ into the Jaranwala violence, which has found that despite the state’s promises to address the problem, the usual lethargy has affected the probe. For example, the panel found that police officials have been ascribing different motives to the mob violence that targeted churches and Christian homes in the Punjab town last month after dubious blasphemy allegations emerged. The more far-fetched of these claims include that of the involvement of hostile foreign agencies, though as experts have observed, no concrete evidence has been presented to confirm the involvement of the ominous ‘foreign hand’. Disturbingly, the panel has observed that law enforcers appear reluctant to nab those responsible for spurious blasphemy charges, while the police may be attempting to cover up the actual extent of the violence. Moreover, Christian citizens have been unlawfully detained in the name of ‘investigation’. Meanwhile, the caretaker human rights minister has said that many of the affected Christian families were still facing problems procuring basic items including food and clothes.
It is essential for civil society to continue to hold the state to account for failing its most vulnerable citizens. Instead of chasing after red herrings, law enforcers must fully investigate and bring to justice those involved in this outrage. If efforts are made to cover up the crime, then the next mob rampage may be just around the corner. Also, the state must ensure that the affected families are fully rehabilitated. While the government abdicated its responsibility by failing to protect them, the Christian community must at least be assured that the state will do all possible to help them back on their feet, and bring their tormentors to justice.
Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2023
