Allegations of abuse

A VIDEO on the Web that appears to show Pakistani soldiers beating men detained for interrogation is cause for concern. Even though the video’s authenticity is not yet clear, it brings to the fore apprehensions about human rights abuses during counter-insurgency operations.Rights groups have earlier accused the Pakistan Army of using fear and suppression tactics that are reminiscent of those used by the Taliban. In August, for example, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said that it had received “credible reports of numerous extrajudicial killings and reprisals carried out by security forces” in Swat since the area was retaken from Taliban control.It is true that the army faces daunting challenges: the militant groups are amorphous, while their sympathisers are virtually indistinguishable from ordinary citizens. The soldiers, meanwhile, are new to and perhaps not fully trained for unconventional or guerrilla warfare. Much depends on the army’s ability to tap into local knowledge and penetrate terrorist outfits. Nevertheless, ways must be found of ensuring that officers and soldiers deal with detainees in a legally and morally defensible manner. The operation against myriad terrorist and militant outfits is far from over; indeed, the theatre of war is likely to expand to South Waziristan.The country simply cannot afford for its security forces to gather a reputation for vengeance and brutality, for that may endanger public support for the operations. A change in public opinion could swing the battle in the militants’ favour. Army spokesperson Maj Gen Ather Abbas has said that the army is conducting an inquiry into the abuse alleged in the video. This must be suitably thorough, and the findings must be made public. Meanwhile, codes need to be devised and strictly adhered to in terms of the treatment of detainees. Given that the army and government are supporting the raising of tribal lashkars to bolster the fight against the militants, brutality on part of the security forces may encourage civilians to function similarly.