THE multipronged threat of extremism that has gripped the country for long has a broader element of identity crisis to it that is central to the thread of violent episodes. On an individual level, identity crisis takes root when a person starts feeling aloof on the basis of having a distinct culture, language or religion. On a broader level, however, the identity crisis is shaped by a group of people feeling threatened by another group having dominating cultural values, a distinct language and a defined ethnicity.

Moreover, identity is something that people deem to own, preserve and justify at any cost. It is a kind of frame in which people want to fit in, or to be recognised as a part of. The frame can be of a religious or political agenda, ethnic goals, and, in extreme cases, militant non-state actors fighting for a self-defined cause.

People need to change their attitude towards other people separated on the basis of provincialism, culture, caste and other such markers. If not taken care of, the issue will continue to haunt us as a nation.

Ali Hyder
Qamber Shahdadkot

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2024