WHERE is the state? In the days since Punjab governor Salman Taseer's assassination, the hate speech and incitements to violence have been openly, matter-of-factly and brazenly spread. What began as 'celebrations' by obscure, extremist clerics has quickly snowballed into even mainstream religious party leaders seemingly endorsing the murder of Mr Taseer. And thus far there has been nothing, not a peep, not a meaningless arrest, not a word of condemnation from the government or state officials against the orgy of self-congratulatory hatred swatches of the population have been wallowing in since the governor's assassination.
The 'mainstream' conservative and religious political party leaders who appear to be endorsing Mr Taseer's killing have set a new low in what passes for acceptable public discourse. It is one thing for some illiterate, small-time 'religious leaders' in parts of the country where modernity has yet to visit to spew out odious thoughts; it is quite another to see familiar political faces publicly expressing sympathy for a murderer and his motive. What appears to have happened is that when the initial eulogising of Mumtaz Qadri's act by the far right was not condemned by any quarter, other conservative elements were emboldened to come forward with their own expressions of support and understanding for Mr Taseer's killer. Perversely, a call by obscure clerics gathered under the banner of an equally obscure religious group to not give Mr Taseer a Muslim burial resulted in senior clerics associated with renowned religious institutions in Lahore declining to lead the funeral prayers for the late governor. Whether it was done out of fear or conviction is not known, but the chilling effect threats from extremists can have is very clear.
But has the state completely abdicated its responsibility? Where are the arrests and prosecutions the incitement to violence and hate speech merit? Lawyers who are otherwise demanding the 'rule of law' and action against 'corrupt politicians' were seen hugging and kissing and showering rose petals on Mumtaz Qadri when he was produced in court on Wednesday. Surely some legal action can be taken against them, by the state and the relevant bar councils. The problem is of course much wider. A sizeable section of the vernacular press has been busy valorising and hero-worshipping Mumtaz Qadri. Where are all the champions of a free and responsible media now? The lead, though, must be taken by the government. The PPP has just lost its governor; it mourned the third death anniversary of its iconic leader days earlier; the birth anniversary of its founder put to death by the godfather of obscurantism was observed on Wednesday — surely the party needs to begin to push back.
