South Waziristan – ‘Path to Salvation’

BNU ^

[Careless Comet]

Operation Rah-e-Nijat has been termed as the ‘mother of all battles’ and is considered to be the most serious drive yet by the army into South Waziristan. This time around, the military’s objectives are to re-establish the writ of the state in a region where it has conducted operations thrice before, all of which have concluded prematurely with peace deals.

According to the military, South Waziristan is the center of gravity of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has waged a brutal war on the country, killing scores of innocent civilians and military personnel. The militants also understand the strategic importance of their base and are likely to fight it out to the last man as this is a battle for their survival. The Mehsud fighters, along with their Uzbek comrades, are known for their tough resistance to government intervention and have been preparing to fight since June, when the army surrounded South Waziristan and blocked all supply routes.

Analysts fear that the militants might sneak out into the neighboring districts, forcing the army to expand its operation into the adjacent agencies. If this happens, then the army will certainly be stretched thin, as it is still maintaining a heavy presence in Swat where it was successful in reducing militancy to a significant extent.

The public must do its part by making a deliberate effort to welcome the IDPs and help in relief efforts so the people of South-Waziristan do not feel abandoned and are brought into the mainstream. The army should provide security to international aid agencies and permit them to enter the region so they can assist in relief efforts.

It is imperative for the army to minimize collateral damage. The conclusion of the operation must be followed by extensive development in the area so that the local tribesmen are brought into the mainstream and do not feel neglected; as has been the case throughout the history of Pakistan.