NCE more, the spectre of ethnic violence has returned to haunt Sindh. The disturbances were sparked by the recent death of Bilal Kaka, who was killed during a brawl at a Hyderabad eatery. The man`s murder has been given an ethnic colour, with rioting spreading to several Sindh cities, including Karachi. In fact, the city`s Sohrab Goth area saw two successive days of violence on Thursday and Friday, including arson and looting, as protesters blocked the key M9 Motorway linking the metropolis to the rest of the country. Hundreds of commuters, including families, were trapped in a highly volatile situation. At least two people were reportedly killed during the Karachi disturbances. Perhaps the only silver lining to this madness is the fact that elements from both mainstream and nationalist parties, together with state functionaries, have appealed for peace, though incendiary material on social media has done much to fan the flames.

The first priority of the state in such a delicate situation must be to keep the peace. Those responsible for the murder of Bilal Kaka must face the law, while the elements involved in bloodshed and rioting during protests should also be punished. Peaceful protest is a democratic right of the people, but violence and threats to the lives and property of citizens cannot be tolerated. The administration, therefore, has to continue efforts to de-escalate the situation while political parties and nationalist groups, as well as leaders of the Pakhtun and Sindhi communities, have no option but to keep up their endeavours to prevent malevolent forces from fanning ethnic hatred. The state has a key responsibility to monitor social media in this regard. While the mainstream media is largely careful when reporting matters of such sensitivity, the internet is a minefield of rumours, half-truths and lies all dressed up as `alternative facts` these can play a devastating role in worsening delicate situations.

Any content that calls for violence, or promotes ethnic, racial or sectarian hatred must be taken down immediately. The second leg of Sindh`s LG polls is only a week away, and, it is even more urgent to ensure that harmony is restored in the province to ensure peaceful polling. Sindh is a land that has given shelter to all regardless of caste, colour and ethnicity. However, efforts to create ethnic strife in the past have done much harm to the province, which is why current moves to revive the ghosts of communal enmity must be thwarted.