The provincial government of NWFP on Thursday claimed its writ in the turbulent districts of Swat, Buner and Dir Lower of the Malakand Division was restored after the launching of the operation against militants.
"The Nizam-e-Adl Regulations, a longstanding demand of the people of Malakand Division has been enforced while the establishment of Darul Qaza is the matter few moments," announced Mian Iftikhar Hussein, NWFP Minister for Information while addressing a news conference here.
He said that situation in the troubled region is very volatile, saying the government is awaiting consultation with Maulana Sufi Mohammad, chief of the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi (TNSM), a signatory to the peace agreement. He said that since last three days the provincial government was looking for the TNSM chief to consult about the crucial matter of the establishment of Qazi Courts and Darul Qaza.
He said that the time was running out and in case of the failure of the TNSM chief to engage in negotiations, the government will take one-sided decision to formally announce the establishment of the Qazi Courts and Darul Qaza in the Malakand Division. He said that the TNSM chief was on way to Amandara, Batkhela where the official of the provincial government would hold negotiations with him.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain justified the action against the militants in Dir Lower and Buner. He was of the view that after the enforcement of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulations, there was no justification for the militants to take up weapons and expand their influence to Buner and Dir Lower. He said that not only Sufi Mohammad, but Maulana Fazalullah was also satisfied with the initiatives taken by the government. He added entering of the militants to other districts was violation of the agreement signed between the government and TNSM.
Iftikhar said questioned the commitment of militant regarding withdrawal from the Buner. He said that though the provincial government pacify the angry armed volunteers to give way out to militants to leave the district. However, they failed to honour the commitment and occupied more areas and challenged the writ of the government in the district, he added.
The minister said that he himself had visited the district, reviewed the situation and urged them against challenging the writ of the government. But, they remained adamant. Maulana Sufi Mohammad also requested them for co-operation in the strengthening of the peace, but they refused. In such kind of situation, the government was left with no other option than initiate action for the restoration of the writ of the government and provides protection to the people.
He said that on Thursday some militants comes out in Mingora City and established barriers in front of the bungalow of the Commissioner Malakand and Jehanzeb College. However, he said, on the arrival of the security forces they vacated the area.
The minister reiterated the provincial government stance that it still believes in reconciliation and resolving issues through dialogue. However, he said, some elements were out to sabotage the situation, which would be never allowed.
The action of security forces in Dir Lower, he said, was in retaliation of the violation of the peace agreement. However, he said, that situation in Dir Lower had improved. In response to a question, he ruled out any reservations regarding the military action, saying the things are going in right direction.
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