KHAAR, June 7: NWFP Governor Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai warned here on Thursday that the government might use force against militants if tribal elders failed to maintain peace through jirgas in the Bajaur Agency.

The governor, who was talking to elders of the Terkhani and Utmankhel tribes at a Jirga, expressed displeasure over increasing incidents of violence in some areas of the province and said: “The government has the option to take full-scale action against miscreants if you people (elders) fail to curb activities of militants in the area.”

He expressed concern over growing militancy and sabotage activities in the Bajaur Agency bordering Afghanistan. Five people, including a tehsildar, and a journalist were killed in a roadside explosion in the agency last week.

Mr Aurakzai said it was the responsibility of the elders and tribesmen to take action against miscreants in accordance with the tribal code and customs. “I am convinced that the people of Bajaur believe in peace and want progress but some elements are trying to disturb the peaceful environment of the area.”

He said: “Those who kill innocent people are the worst enemies of the country and humanity. They are trying to destabilise the area for their vested interests.”

“If tribesmen fail to maintain peace through jirgas and agreements, the government will use force as a last resort,” he warned.

The governor said that the people should honour their agreements and cooperate with the political administration.

He assured that the authorities would provide complete protection to tribal journalists to perform their duty without fear.

Earlier, Governor Aurakzai gave cheques for Rs500,000 each to relatives of slain journalist Noor Hakeem Khan and four tribesmen who were killed in the bomb explosion.