HE unrest in Balochistan is increasingly taking on an ugly and dangerous colour, with repeated, indiscriminate attacks on civilians underscoring that, for inimical forces operating in the region, there is no line that they are unwilling to cross. The deadly ambush on a passenger bus outside Kalat on Wednesday suggests that militants are increasingly focusing on terrorising innocent, unsuspecting citizens in order to further their objectives. This should be cause for alarm for those in the corridors of power. After all, the security of the citizenry is first and foremost the responsibility of the state, and if the latter cannot fulfil its responsibility, it not only undermines public trust in the state but also brings into question the efficacy of its policies. The authorities have repeatedly insisted, with reason, that Pakistan`s eastern neighbour is sponsoring these attacks. What is being done about it? What actions have been and are being taken to thwart the enemy? What kinetic and diplomatic options does Pakistan have on the table? These are questions that the state must answer quickly in order to restore public confidence.

There was a group of musicians travelling from Karachi to Quetta in the bus that was ambushed. Three of them were killed in the hail of bullets; many more were left injured and traumatised. Was it a `crime` for them to participate in a cultural activity in their own country? The spilling of their blood achieved no purpose other than deepening mistrust and perpetuating tragedy, and Baloch leaders must condemn in clear and unequivocal terms this act of senseless violence.

Their province deserves to be known not for such atrocities, but for the resilience, aspirations and achievements of its people.

Meanwhile, both the civilian and military leadership must address the feelings of alienation in Balochistan with urgency.

Policies that have not yielded desired results should be dropped forthwith and alternative approaches must be studied and adopted. The upsurge in militant violence requires a broad and calibrated response to isolate and root out anti-state elements, but this cannot be done through military operations alone. It requires public support and buy-in. Hence the state must reconnect with the people and prevent subversive elements from capitalising on existing social and political fault lines. It may be the surest way of defeating the terrorists and their nefarious designs.