While the military operation in Swat and Malakand division continues to make progress, humanitarian efforts needed to consolidate its gains have remained far from satisfactory. After Swat was cleared of insurgents and curfew lifted on Sunday for the first time in ten days an International Committee of the Red Cross team led by its country chief Pascal Cuttat, visited Swat and described the humanitarian situation as grave.
"There is no running water, no electricity, and food is scarce," he said. Also the phone lines are down, and the hospital still operating in Khawzakhel is without water, electricity and other supplies, and hence unable to cope with the influx of patients. Another report quotes a Mingora resident as saying some of those left behind have been eating leaves to stay alive.
The Interior Minister, Rehman Malik, also declared on Sunday that insurgents have been flushed out from Buner and other troubled areas, asking the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who now number over 3 million, to return to their homes. As a matter of fact, it has been several days since the government declared Buner safe for people to return. But few paid heed, because the conditions were still bad and the return route was not secure.
Rehman said that Mardan, Rustam, Ambala, Daggar and Sultanwas roads have been cleared and all IDPs from Buner are requested to use these routes for their return. Most people are likely to ignore this request as well considering the prevailing conditions. Majority of the IDPs find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. The roads may be safer now for travel but the things that are necessary for people to feel comfortable and confident enough to return are still missing.
Almost all the affected areas remain without running water and electricity. Non-availability of power has brought the local marble industries as well as other economic activity to a virtual halt, acting as a disincentive for the workers to go back. Then there is the issue of destruction of private property. Many people have no homes to return to.
The government has promised to give Rs 25000 to each IDP family, but this amount is not enough to build homes. A separate package needs to be offered to those who have lost their homes to the fighting. Yet another, and indeed the most important factor inhibiting IDPs, is that the civil administration is either absent or remains restricted to certain safe points.
That could be creating a fear among people that the insurgents may still be able to inflict harm, especially on those who may have taken the government's side. The government must put its act together and address these issues on a war footing. It should do all it takes to restore the basic services urgently and effectively. Wherever the Army has cleared the areas of insurgents, the civil administration should step in to take charge, and make its presence felt.