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| India-Pakistan |
| Mixed feelings over Lal Masjid in Peshawar |
| 2007-07-05 |
| Residents of the city have mixed feelings regarding the government’s operation against the Lal Masjid administration, a Daily Times survey learnt on Wednesday. “The government should have avoided the course it adopted to deal with the situation,” said businessman Najibullah, adding that the government had deserted its policy of public welfare and had adopted the policy of violence. Iqbal, a shopkeeper, said the government was proud of its policies meant for women’s welfare, but that it had now opened fire on students and women. The government could have resolved the issue through dialogue, but there are few sensible people in the administration, he added. Salahuddin, a teacher, appreciated the action taken against the Lal Masjid and Jamia Hasfa administration, and said the Masjid had become a ‘Masjid Zarar’ and that the government should have taken action against both brothers, Abdur Rasheed Ghazi and Maulana Abdul Aziz, for instigating the public to violence and portraying a negative image of Islam and Pakistan. He said the government’s way of handling the crisis was neither mature nor well planned. Qayyum, of Saddar, said the government bombed people in the Waziristan and Bajaur agencies, but that it had left some people on their own to do whatever they wanted. “The government killed people in Frontier province and tribal areas to enforce its writ, but gave Lal Masjid students a free hand in their vandalism. This shows double standards on the part of the government, which should have treated all citizens alike,” he added. Rizwan Niaz, a student, said the Lal Masjid issue was a drama aimed at diverting public attention from other issues. He added, however, that the government had failed to direct its drama properly and that it had instead brought shame to itself. Tahir Khan said both the Lal Masjid and government were responsible for the loss of lives as they could have managed their differences through dialogue. “It was not such a big issue but the degree it reached was due to incorrect government policies and those the mosque administration.” Azhar said the MQM was on the loose in Karachi with the government’s support and was playing with people’s lives. “The government has ignored MQM’s terrorism, but resorted to violence against madrassa students,” he said, adding, “It seems that President Musharraf has lost his wits and will do anything to prolong his rule.” |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 Rizwan Niaz, a student, said the Lal Masjid issue was a drama aimed at diverting public attention from other issues. He added, however, that the government had failed to direct its drama properly and that it had instead brought shame to itself. Pashtun as theater critic watch |
| Posted by: Liberalhawk 2007-07-05 09:45 |
| #1 The government could have resolved the issue through dialogue, but there are few sensible people in the administration, he added. True but what about a school full of suicide bombers? Oh, they're scott-free to do what they please. |
| Posted by: Snereck de Medici6366 2007-07-05 09:44 |