Factors responsible for sectarianism, extremism taking root in Balochistan

Several factors have contributed to the sprouting of sectarianism and extremism in Pakistan's Balochistan province, according to an editorial in the Dawn.

The article, authored by Muhammad Akbar Notezai, lists two key reasons for sectarian and extremists groups taking root in Balochistan.

1) The crackdown on separatist groups has created adequate space for sectarian groups to flourish, and

2) Sectarian elements in Punjab province being forced to migrate to Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, only to emerge as a more powerful force.

The article further states that factors like the unrestrained flow of money, the promotion of Wahabism, the sprouting of different forms of extremism, the mushrooming of madrassas and the promotion of Tableeghi activities have also contributed significantly to Balochistan being what he describes as "stunted ,intolerant, disconnected, chaotic and weakened" society.

He claims that these factors have combated significantly to a surge in extremist attacks against civilians, state installations and security forces. Moreover, sectarian groups have also made inroads into some bordering areas of Sindh where Sufism has traditionally held sway, and many sectarian attacks in that province are said to have been planned from Balochistan.

Moreover, communities in Balochistan are disconnected from one another, so much so that development in the society happens at a slow pace. He says that with religious extremism having taken root, people are expected to be more and more compartmentalized and predicts that each and every group's mosques and followers in the near future will be further compartmentalized, which in turn will inhibit Baloch nationalism, liberalism and social development.

The author states that with the introduction of madrassas culture, the secular nature of Baloch society has changed considerably as the number of cases of religious minorities being kidnapped for ransom by extremist groups has increased.Baloch nationalist parties, including the Balochistan National Party-Mengal and National Party, claim to be on one page when it comes to extremist forces.

The author further stresses that failure to address the above mentioned issues by the state will result in increase in religious extremism in Balochistan resulting into terrible repercussions .