Targeting of minorities

THE news of Jamaat-Shibir targeting Hindus in some parts of the country is very disquieting indeed. While we condemn this act, we are rather surprised at the failure of the law enforcing agencies to stop Jamaat's violence. The party has created panic in the minds of the minorities by threatening them with dire consequences and, in many instances, torching their houses and business establishments. Their acts have reached a level of criminality, particularly after the execution of Quader Mollah, which must be stopped immediately. 
It is not difficult to comprehend that whenever the opportunity arises in murky situations the members of the minority community are preyed on by Jamaat-Shibir elements. They aim to create communal situation deliberately by attacking Hindu households, they being soft and vulnerable targets. In this context, the law and order forces should have acted with greater vigil in advance to pre-empt such eventualities. And when these incidents occur they should apprehend the perpetrators and have them face law.
Jamaat's violence has reached a level that can no longer be seen as mere reaction to the hanging of one of their party leaders. And what does Jamaat want to achieve? Whatever that may be, it can come only at the expense of the country's stability and security. And this is what should be comprehended by all, cutting across party lines.