Military operation in Fata opposed

The FATA Reforms Committee has termed the ongoing military operation against suspected terrorists and tribesmen, who are allegedly providing shelter to such elements unnecessary, saying the matter should be easily resolved through consensus with the tribal elders.
These views were expressed during a meeting of the Reforms Committee held at the Peshawar University campus, with Professor Dr Mumtaz A. Bangash was in the chair. Besides members of the Committee, a large number of like-minded tribesmen attended the meeting.
The Committee expressed concern over the slow pace of the implementation of the Fata reforms, and decided to convene a traditional Loya Jirga of tribesmen in the provincial capital.
The pro-reforms tribal group and political parties of the country would be invited.
The purpose of the Jirga would be to review the failure of the government in the implementation of the reforms and get public and political support to pressurise the government, and prepare solid future line of action.
The meeting also expressed concern over the delaying tactics of the government regarding the holding of local body's polls in tribal areas, and took serious note of the matter that the ongoing reforms in Fata are not according to the recommendations submitted by the Reforms Committee.
Terming the ongoing reforms one-sided, and against the interest of the tribesmen, the meeting observed that the Committee has recommended the separation of executives from judiciary, but in negation of the recommendations, the government has established an appellant court and tribunals comprising the administrative officials.
It also said there are also speculations of keeping 25 percent reserved seats for un-elected privileged tribal elders. The meeting cautiously welcomed the establishment of Fata Secretariat. However, it said it is not a solution to the problems of the tribesmen.
The meeting observed that in the wake of implementation of reforms, the delay in the holding of local body's polls is totally unjustified.