People-power disconnect

Last week’s violence in Moro, where a protest against canal projects turned deadly, is deeply troubling. The death of a young protestor and the subsequent attack on the residence of the Sindh home minister are not just incidents of law and order failure. They reflect a much deeper disconnect between the people and those in power. Sindh’s recurring protests over water concerns and environmental fears cannot be dismissed as mere agitation.

When protests are met with force instead of dialogue, resentment is bound to flare. Violence must be condemned, but so should the indifference that often triggers it. The people of Sindh deserve consultation. Development imposed without consent is a recipe for unrest. The state must act not just with force, but with foresight and empathy.

Shafique Rajper

Naushahro Feroze