Quoted in The New York Times
Once again the terrorists have hit Lahore. But this time they have chosen the favourite target of the fundamentalists the Ahmedis who were declared as non-Muslims in 1974. Two places of worship have been attacked and innocent people have died. This is unacceptable and outrageous. It means that the state policy of exclusion has finally turned the country into a nightmare a polity where freedom to worship, profess religious orientation and expression is not only curtailed by simply denied.
The resolve of the Government and the Army must be now strengthened after these tragedies. We condemn the state excesses and also the this heinous act of terrorism.
It is almost surreal to see what is happening in Lahore there is no law and order, no law enforcement worth its name and hapless citizens witnessing the crumbling of a society. It is time to wake up complacency will not do.
We have to fight terror and the enemy within and not blame the external forces time and again.
As I write these lines, I am petrified as a very dear friend’s father is trapped in the Model Town mosque. may God protect him.
