BANNU/PESHAWAR: The tribal elders of North Waziristan Agency have demanded of the authorities to compensate tribal people for the losses inflicted on them during operation Zarb-i-Azb and take steps for early return of the internally displaced persons to their hometowns.

The demands were made during a tribal jirga held here on Sunday after ISPR claimed that 80 per cent area of Miramshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan Agency, was cleared of militants.

The jirga was attended by elders of almost all sub-tribes of Waziristan including Utmanzai Wazir, Dawar, Musakai, Hasokhel, Darpakhel, Ziraki and others.

Besides leaders of various political parties, tribal elders including Malik Nasrullah, Pir Aqil Shah, Malik Faridullah, Malik Ghulam Khan, Nisar Ali Khan, Maulana Gul Ramazan and MNA Malik Nazir Khan addressed the jirga.

Asks authorities to take steps for early return of IDPs

The participants nominated Malak Nasrullah, chief of Wazristan, as president of the jirga and decided that two elders of each sub-tribe of Waziristan and two members of each political party would be its members.

They discussed the present situation of IDPs and future line of action. They expressed deep concern over the incident of firing and manhandling of IDPs at distribution points. They said that tribesmen were respectful people and should be given due respect.

Addressing the jirga, Pir Aqil Shah said that government had promised to make separate arrangements for distribution of relief items among IDP women but it failed to honour the promise. “Our women can’t come to distribution centres fro getting ration,” he said.

Malak Nasrullah said on the occasion that according to a press release of ISPR about 80 per cent of North Waziristan was cleared of militants. “So the tribal people want to return to their hometown forthwith,” he said.

He urged the government to take necessary steps for repatriation and rehabilitation of IDPs from North Waziristan.

The jirga also demanded compensation for those tribal people, whose houses and other properties were damaged during the military operation. He said that economy of the region had ruined owing to the operation so the government should take concrete steps for improving the economic condition of the affected tribesmen.

Jirga asks Afghan govt to stop militants’ infiltration

Meanwhile, students of several organisations staged a protest demonstration here against firing on displaced people at a distribution point. Two IDPs were injured in the incident.

The protesting students, holding placards and banners, chanted slogans against the administration and demanded investigation into the incident.

They demanded free education for the displaced students of Waziristan in the educational institutions of the country. They said that apart from other tribal people, the students also suffered owing to militancy and military operation in Waziristan.

The protesters blocked the main road near Bannu Press Club for some time.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan directed to establish cash disbursement points in the districts hosting the displaced people of North Waziristan Agency for smooth and adequate payment of cash to IDPs. He also directed timely provision of ration, medicines and other essential items to the uprooted people.

He expressed these views while presiding over a high-level meeting regarding provision of cash to IDPs here on Sunday, according to a handout. He said that no effort would be spared in provision of all possible facilities to the internally displaced persons.

While taking notice of inadequate disbursement of cash among the IDPs, the governor said that any laxity or negligence in that regard would not be tolerated.

Mr Mehtab said all resources had been made available for assistance of the displaced people and directed the Fata secretariat to ensure provision of cash to IDPs within next five days. He also directed that a detailed report in that regard should be submitted to him on daily basis.

A briefing was also given to the governor by FDMA director general Abid Majeed regarding provision of cash disbursement to IDPs.

The governor showed dismay over the inadequate disbursement of cash amounts to IDPs and said the federal government had already released Rs1.2 billion for smooth and speedy disbursement of cash to the affected people.

While paying tribute to the tribesmen, particularly the IDPs of North Waziristan for sacrificing for peace in the country, Sardar Mehtab said that tribal people had played vital role in making country’s defence impregnable. He assured that the government would extend all possible facilities to the displaced persons.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary Amjad Ali Khan, principal secretary to governor, Dr Mohammad Fakhre Alam and others were also in attendance.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2014