NEUTRALISING violent elements in Karachi was never going to be an easy task, given the fact that for years, the state has looked away as such elements entrenched themselves within the bustling metropolis.

Hence while the operation launched just over two years ago to rid Karachi of militants, terrorists and criminal gangs has witnessed some successes, it’ll be some time before the state can proclaim ‘mission accomplished’.

The fact that law enforcers and military personnel are particularly vulnerable to retaliatory action was reinforced on Tuesday when two army men were killed on the arterial M.A. Jinnah Road in broad daylight.

For those unfamiliar with Karachi’s geography, this is perhaps the city’s busiest and most congested thoroughfare, which points to the audacity and confidence with which the attackers carried out the act.

Police officials have said it is a planned attack, though only a full investigation will reveal whether this was the case, or if the soldiers — who were in uniform and travelling in a military vehicle — were victims of an opportunistic hit.

What is clear is that the murdered men were travelling without back-up, even though military personnel are supposed to move with support.

Men in uniform have been targeted in other attacks as well; most recently four Rangers’ troopers were killed in an armed attack while over 75 policemen have been killed in the city this year.

While the space for terrorists and criminals has certainly been “considerably constrained” in the words of the city police chief, it is apparent that violent elements still have just enough space to hit back at the state.

The truth is that in Karachi, there is a complex mixture of political, sectarian and ethnic militants, along with active criminal syndicates.

Also read: Two Military Police officials shot dead in Karachi

Clearly there is no shortage of guns — and those more than willing to use them — which means that only a sustained and systematic law-enforcement operation can end bloodshed in the city in the long run.

The recent violence means that the authorities must particularly be on guard today on the occasion of Chehlum — when thousands of people will be participating in processions and religious rituals across the city — as well as on Saturday, when local government polls are scheduled to be held in the metropolis.

Looking ahead, the operation against militants of all stripe must continue until those responsible for violence in the city are brought to justice.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2015