SHANGLA: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam on Monday said that the residents were united in their resolve to fight terrorism.

During the “peace jirga” at the district bar association’s offices in Alpuri here, the minister said the people of Shangla had refused displacement or evacuation from their homeland despite terrorist threats.

He condemned attacks on police checkposts and said that Shangla residents were united and vigilant against terrorism.

Mr Muqam, who is also the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s KP chapter, said that the residents, police and other law-enforcement personnel rendered great sacrifices for peace and stability in the region.

Minister attends ‘peace jirga’ in Alpuri

He said that peace should be restored, while those responsible for the current law and order situation should be held accountable.

The minister said that he, like other residents, would always oppose terrorism as well as military operations in the district.

“I’ll stand with my people in this difficult situation,” he said, urging the provincial and federal governments to play their due effective role to eliminate terrorism.

Mr Muqam said the Shangla police needed modern weapons, facilities, and immediate relocation of checkposts from vulnerable areas.

He urged residents to support the police for ensuring sustainable peace.

Chairman of the Shangla Action Committee Waqif Shah complained about the resurgence of terrorism in the district and highlighted losses caused by the recent terrorist attacks on police checkposts.

He said the residents would no longer tolerate terrorism in their area, which had already suffered a lot from manmade and natural disasters.

Alpuri tehsil council chairman Waqar Ahmad Khan said the resurgence of terrorism in Shangla was a cause of concern for the people of the entire district and raised questions about the efficiency of law-enforcement agencies.

He wondered how terrorists reached the district and attacked police posts and returned.

Mr Khan complained that the residents didn’t see a single terrorist killed after attacks in Shangla this year.

The jirga concluded, vowing not to allow terrorism or military operation in the district.

It decided that special committees would be formed at tehsil level to promote peace.

The jirga asked the district police officer to close down “vulnerable” checkposts in the far-off areas and transfer their personnel to the nearby police stations, and improve security to check more terrorist attacks in the district.

Also, minister Amir Muqam visited the houses of martyred ASI Mohammad Hassan, head constable Mohammad Nisar and Frontier Corps soldier Junaid Shah and offered condolences to their families.

He announced financial support for the families of the martyred personnel as well as the injured officials during a condolence reference held at the police lines in Alpuri.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024