The Real Sons Of The Soil – OpEd
There is a big change in the depth of the valley of Tirah. Lashkar Junood-ul-Khyber has been formed by tribal elders, who represent the rich history and the cultural capabilities of the region. This ground-based operation is not only a military operation, but also the symbol of the unwearyingly determination of the region over the malignant proliferation of Fitna Al-Khawarij, a Sunni militant group that has ravaged Pakistan. People-backed Junood-ul-Khyber is far more than a local militia; it has shaken the nails of the groups like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), also showing their hidden ties with the TTP and its terror agenda. The PTM, in a hypocritical attempt to point out to the defending of the rights of Pashtuns, has revealed its real color of defending terrorists, who have the blood on their hands. The brave sons, and daughters of Khyber are however, talking a new beginning in the history of Pakistan, a history where unity and allegiance to the country is inscribed in blood.
Lashkar Junood-ul-Khyber is a reaction to the growing menace of such groups as the TTP. It is the assertion of Pashtun dignity, manipulation of their territory, and a sign of defiance to those who make the risk of utilizing the Pashtun identity a tool to divide and destabilize the region. This force is not built in isolation but is bigger part of the fact that the Pashtun community has become acutely conscious of the fact that it has enemies both within and without Pakistan. With the PTM still screaming about its rights whilst silently siding with the terrorists who have only brought bloodshed and destruction upon the region, Junood-ul-Khyber is a shining example of the fact that the honor of Pashtun cannot be separated with that of the allegiance to Pakistan.
The PTM has always attempted to pose as the representative of the Pashtun community, the one that screams about justice and rights, but its deeds say otherwise. The PTM leaders, in the name of fighting the rights of Pashtuns have been spotted having dinner with the terrorists, the same terrorists who have slaughtered men, women, and children in their blind lust of violence. It is ironic enough the residents of Khyber to perceive the two-sided nature of the PTM as a traitorous political game only. Whereas the PTM espouses victimhood and falsely derides the state of persecuting the Pashtuns, it has failed to acknowledge the actual plight of the Pashtuns who are still languishing in the pasture of terror. The gallant sons of the soil in Khyber are talking blood; however, and not only talking. They are sacrificing their lives in the vein of protecting their motherland to the very last drop as they are confirming with their blood that they will never allow their motherland to be left in the possession of militants who do not respect human lives.
A world that finds the union is being illuminated in radical opposition to the rhetoric of division by Junood-ul-Khyber. This popular force is an emblem of resistance against not only the terrorists but also against those people who want to use the place because of their political interests. Where PTM is busy propagating the fire of chaos and segregation, Junood-ul-Khyber is busy in mending and knitting. As the construction of this force is a clear signal to the rest of the world that, true Pashtun honor is with the people of Pakistan and not with the enemies of the state. Junood-ul-Khyber would be the ultimate denotation of being a Pashtun, they are brave, loyal, and bound to the duty of protecting the land and the people against those intending to pull them apart.
In its quest to spread havoc the PTM becomes utterly quiet regarding the Indian-sponsored terror attacks by the TTP. Even as PTM complains of mistreatment of Pashtuns by the state, it is not ready to accept the genuine dangers that are posing serious threats to the Pashtuns. These are not domestic threats but also international threats and enemies such as India are using their funds to finance terror groups whose main agenda is to undermine Pakistan. However, on the occasion that the real Pashtuns stand up to fight to protect their homeland and their own, PTM can only be silent or condemnatory. No doubt, their protection of Pashtun rights ceases the time when truths start. Hypocrisy of PTM is out in the open for anyone who cares to observe. Instead of standing by their people who were dying to protect their native land, they would prefer to be on the same side with terrorists.
In comparison, Junood-ul-Khyber remains uninterested in political games and does not want to use the Pashtun identity because of personal interest. It is a power of defending the people of Khyber, their heritage and that their voice is not misappropriated by other parties whose interests are to exploit them. The tribal elders who created this opposition seek not fame or acknowledgment, they seek security and prosperity of their members. They are aware that the real foes of the Pashtuns are not the state and its agencies but the terror groups and foreign powers whose mindset and aims it is to destroy the Pashtun way of life.
It is deafening how the Indian-supported terrorism witnessed in Pakistan has remained a silent point by the PTM. They prefer to scream foul when the state comes to its defense and when the actual Pashtun take up arms and defend their territory, PTN is quiet. It is silence that talks volumes of what their real allegiance is. The Khyber people however have been heard. They are waiting up to no one to talk on their behalf. They are talking about themselves, by what they do and with what they sacrifice. And through which, they are proving the world that real Pashtun honor cannot be purchased. Foreign powers, as well as political opportunists cannot manipulate it. It has its foundations on patriotism to Pakistan and the certainty of the power and unity of the nation.
Junood-ul-Khyber is a symbol of hope, togetherness and struggle. It is the answer of Pashtun community to the separatist discourse of the PTM and the destructive policies of ISIS and other terrorists. PTM is busy with their oppressive political games at the same time Junood-ul-Khyber enlighten the way of unity and loyalty. Their land, their people and their nation are what they are fighting to defend, which are the true Pashtuns, the sons and daughters of Khyber. The era of PTM is finished; the future will be reserved to those who are ready to fight for it.
Like what you read?
Please consider supporting Eurasia Review. Thank you for your consideration!
