A plot is emerging. Khan’s protestors all peaceful in nature are seen protecting a lone army gunman in Lahore Corps commander House. In another video a lady and a male stand before an army vehicle full of solders, instructing others not to cast stones. In a Voice of America video, the interviewer corrects the journalist covering the Lahore Corps Comdr.’s house, said, “Let me correct you. I am not a PTI worker, I am a citizen protecting the future of my children.”
One man with face covered has a police baton seen vandalizing cars. A by-standing is yelling, “He has a police baton…has a police baton.” Then there are other videos of arson emerging. Army mess is shown in heavy smoke and fire. Can Khan protestors reduce to destruction of property? They have not in the past.
When staged mob protest commits to violence or destruction; PTI protestors are documenting for the record.
Corps commander homes are seen unprotected—security is not present. My initial assessment is, all buildings belonging to arm forces have easy access. A video has an image of a fortified gate, opens with mob beating with a stick. One cannot believe how with ease the gate was opened to give access to the army’s remise. The ISI HQ is fortified and automatic gun fire is heard in videos.
It is ironic mob is not targeting any of the ministers or politicians homes. Mob has not targeted Jatti Umra (Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam’s residence.) Billawal, the most undesirable politician’s home is also safe. As events are unfolding, we see Chief Minister’s home, PM House, Governor House, IG Chief’s home and the Chief Secretary’s home, are all untouched by the mob. Only, the military and the army headquarters are a target—has strangeness to it.
A Lt. Gen. on social media writes, “All the Cantt areas, Corps commander houses security is removed. Perfect TRAP has been set. Among the protestors, men are placed for destruction and arson. They will use such unlawful protest to declare PTI as an organization to place it out of existence. PTI will be banned.”
Easy access; no water cannons, no rubber bullets, zero resistance…all staged with PTI flags in their hands.
Injecting violence in a mob is a page taken from when democratically elected Dr. Mosaddeq, was deposed in a CIA orchestrated coup. Mosaddeq of Iran was overthrown. In that staged protest, hired mob attacked the peaceful mob and buildings were vandalized by the hired mob.
More staged unlawful demonstrations are to unfold. “Staged mob protests are a serious concern and for the safety and effectiveness of peaceful demonstrations. The intention to incite violence and chaos can quickly escalate into dangerous situations.
In peaceful demonstration individuals express their opinions and advocate for their beliefs. They play an important role in promoting social change pressurizing the opposing group.
However, a staged mob can overshadow the original message of the peaceful demonstration, and they can lead to injury, property damage, and even loss of life.
It’s important for organizers of peaceful demonstrations to prevent staged outcomes from occurring, especially when there is no rule of law in the country. One method is to use social media to communicate with participants to hold placards of instructing peaceful protest. Have alliances with organizations, involve organizations and document everything incase of a legal or political fallout.
Ultimately, the success of a peaceful demonstration depends on the ability of participants to express their opinions and advocate for their beliefs in a safe and respectful manner. Staged mob protests have no place in this context and should be condemned by all those who support peaceful protest.”
Bio: Mian Hameed is the author of his latest book: MANIPULATION OF THE MIND: Our Children and Our Policy at Peril. One of the aspects discussed in the book is to raise the K-12 scholastic level to impact policy. He blogs at mianhameed.com on policy concerns in the South Asia and the United States.