WHILE protests against last week’s sectarian riots in Rawalpindi staged by religious outfits passed off more or less peacefully on Friday, the day came to a bloody close as two blasts ripped through a Karachi neighbourhood late Friday night killing and injuring many. Ancholi, the area targeted, is a mixed locality though containing a large Shia population, while one of Karachi’s main imambargahs is located within it. If there were any doubts the motive behind the bombings was sectarian, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid’s statement on Saturday that the atrocity was “revenge” for the Rawalpindi violence should have made matters clear. The extremists seem to speak with forked tongues. While right-wing elements take out rallies to denounce sectarian violence, the militants follow up with a display of indiscriminate violence designed to further fuel communal hatred. The incident is also a reminder that the TTP is transforming itself from an anti-state pan-Islamist force to a more openly sectarian concern.

While fears of sectarian trouble are never far during sensitive religious periods, the threat is enhanced manifold when militant and sectarian outfits actively try to trigger communal violence. However, the reaction of ulema of all persuasions in controlling sectarian passions has been disappointing. Instead of calming down their respective flocks, they appear more interested in one-upmanship. As for the government, it seems to be more interested in placating extremists; as reported in this paper, the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat chief has been staying in Islamabad lately at the state’s request ‘to help maintain peace’. What an organisation known for its divisive religious views and extremist rhetoric can do for communal peace is up for debate. Instead of playing ball with hardliners, the state should bring those involved in the Rawalpindi violence to book: both those who attacked the mosque and madressah and killed innocent people, as well as those who indulged in retaliatory attacks targeting imambargahs must face the law. And in light of the TTP’s pledge to carry out more sectarian mayhem, greater vigilance is needed.