UMERKOT: Peace activists, poets and intellectuals, expressed sorrow over the deadly Jhal Magsi blast. They took out a rally from Thar Bazzar to the local press club. They chanted slogans: ‘We don’t want terrorism. We hate extremism’. Local activist Mir Hassan said that tombs of saints and sufis were platforms for preaching peace and pluralism in the society. “These saints were ambassadors of peace. Terrorism at tombs is a threat to the future of our society. Rooting out terrorism is vital for our survival. Otherwise, no one will be safe,” they added. Columnist Arbab said the terrorists attacked tombs of sufi saints for killing humanity. “It is not jihad or service to religion, but it is terrorism, which needs to be eliminated,” they said. Writer Sardar Bhayo said increasing incidents of terrorism were the result of the failure of the security personnel. “Where ever terrorists find an easy target, they strike. Security agencies should take action against terrorists,” he said. Abdullah Khoso, Rasheeda Sand and others termed such incidents a result of the wrong policies of the state. “It is high time we changed our policies,” they said. They demanded the government ensure tight security at all public and religious places. Published in Daily Times, October 7th 2017.