We appreciate some of the steps taken by the government to contain the wave of Islamic militancy which has already claimed lives, apart from creating a general sense of insecurity among people. Much more remains to be done. We commend the police for arresting some militant operatives here and there almost every day, but the worrying news is that the banned organisations like the JMB or Harkat, who should have been on the run themselves, are keeping us on the toes. They even have the temerity of issuing threats on the lives of Supreme Court judges. The government drive against them is not yet vigorous enough to break the back of the evil forces, as the law enforcers have failed to arrest the top leaders of the militant outfits.

Now, the Imams of mosques, whose services have been sought by the prime minister to counter militancy, should rise to the occasion by taking a clear and conscientious stand against the subversive elements in the true spirit of Islam. They can do so by raising their voice against wanton violence which Islam doesn't approve of. Silence on their part would amount to acquiescing in the sinister design of a vicious minority to transform society through bloodbath. Nothing can be farthest from religion than such a plan.

The prime minister can now see the forces working against our best national interest. The crying need of the hour is unity among the political parties, and here the prime minister has a very crucial role to play. After all that the extremists have done in the recent months, it would no longer be wise for the government and the opposition to play any blame game which only creates opportunities for the forces of intolerance to cause damage to the nation but to face them head on.