Army Operation in Arandu

Siraj Ul Mulk

The people of Chitral cannot get over the horrific way in which their kin in Chitral Scouts were killed by terrorists on the Pakistan-Afghan border in Arandu, Chitral.

People here have been as surprised about the un-preparedness of the Chitral scouts (against such an eventuality) as they are about no steps being taken to strengthen our border areas against any future happening of this kind.

But if there was any doubt that the Pakistan Army will take this lying down that should be removed with the arrival of General Kiyani in Chitral today. The army operation against the people who murdered our Scouts has started.

The people of Chitral must take measures to ensure that the operation remains confined to our borders and has minimum or no effect on the lives of ordinary people of Chitral the majority of whom are law abiding, patriotic and peaceful.

We can prevent our Chitral from becoming another Swat if we strictly adhere to the following:
1. Stop spreading rumour and stop listening to and getting effected by rumours. This is a major problem in Chitral.
2. People must use the internet in a responsible manner during these times. Ask your self " is this piece going to harm the interest of the people of Chitral?" If the answer is "yes" then do not put it on the net no matter how "juicy" it may seem.
3. Encourage people to form a "Safety Committee" in each village of Chitral. These safety committee's must have a coordinator who is accessible on a cell phone or any nearby (or not so nearby) phone. Volunteers are requested to come forward to help in making these village safety committees. I am willing, out of my own pocket, to cover any expense incurred by such volunteers.
4. A district safety committee should be put into position in Chitral town without loss of time. I volunteer to put such a committee in place and will require volunteers who are willing to give their time and effort. They should be based in Chitral and must have access to a cell phone.
5. It is hoped that, learning from their experience in Swat, the operation on our border will be surgical and swift with minimum or no disturbance (un-necessary check posts and high handedness by army and police) in the lives of ordinary people of Chitral.
6.The army is not good at communicating with the affected civilian population at a time like this. This is why all of us have heard the population in Swat say " It is the army itself who are....." It is hoped that some responsible officer will be deputed to keep a close liaison with our District Safety Committee. I will speak to army high ups about this.
7. Swat is a place where different people have settled down from different parts of the country. They are not a homogeneous society. In Chitral we are all one with a distinct culture and language. If we, the people of Chitral, do not want it then outsiders will find it difficult to hide among us. Be very wary of people you cannot recognize. Be suspicious of such people. Report them to your village safety committees.
8. Chitralies by nature are trusting people. Houses have no gates, vehicles are left un locked and shops are often seen without shop keepers. During these times try and be vigilant and careful. Inform your household members to be careful.
9. No matter what any one may say, the army is here to protect us. Don't listen to any body trying to create mistrust between the army and the people. In fact report such people to your safety committee. Carrying out a Pakistan army operation in Pakistani territory against "Pakistani" people is a very difficult task. We Chitralies must help our soldiers in every way.
10. Hopefully the operation being carried out will remain confined to our border areas. We can prevent it from coming closer to our homes if we keep in mind the points listed above.
 

These of course are only some ideas that are crossing my mind while helicopters are noisily flying over our beloved Chitral. Some of you may have even better ideas which you should please share with all of us.
Chitralies must all be ONE in order to overcome this difficult time facing us.
 

I will be available on 03449700800 for anyone needing my time. Allah will certainly protect our land and our families. Have no doubt. -- Siraj Ulmulk Chitral, 07 Sep 2011.

Comment 1

An appreciable article. At this crucial time we must show unity and be aware of the surroundings. What's going on in our district. Almighty Allah save us all evils and bad things on earth, Aameen. -- Abdul Ghani,Manchester.

Comment 2

Since the Arandu incident, shahzada Siraj ul mulk is trying to educate the people of Chitral for taking measures to protect themselves. The people of Chitral should be thankful to Siraj ul mulk for his passion for the soil and the people of Chitral.

Siraj has rightly pointed out that we have unique culture and that culture is now in danger. We need to be united to save not only our lives but also our beautiful culture

I hope the people of chitral especially the educated youth
shall follow the instructions given by shahzada Siraj in his article
published in chitralnews dated 7-9-2011.and shall make every effort to protect the people and the culture of chitral

I am confident that compassionate people like shahzada Siraj ul mulk shall play important role in getting the people of Chitral united -- Saeedullah Jan. Kuragh

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