Elders of Mandal tribe in Bajaur Agency on Monday assured the local administration to continue their full support in maintaining writ of the government in the region. During a jirga with senior officials of the local administration, the tribal elders and members of peace committee vowed not to provide sheltering to any unknown person in their area.
A number of tribal elders and members of several village defence committees attended the jirga, which also participated by Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabar Shah and other senior officials of the administration. Speaking on the occasion, the political agent said peace and normalcy have been established in the region after elimination of terrorists but durable peace still needs a long way as there are still threats from militants in the border areas of Agency.
The political agent urged the tribal elders to realise the situation and should alert for facing any challenges in the area because protection of Agency from the anti-state elements is the responsibility of every citizen of the region. He also asked the elders to speed up their anti-militant activities and fulfil their collective responsibility with honesty and commitment. "Joint efforts like teamwork are very essential for maintaining of peace and for complete elimination of militant activities in the area and the tribesmen should enhance their anti-militant efforts in the region," he said.
Political Agent Shah lauded the tribal elders for their valued efforts and contribution in the restoration of peace in the area and said they had always rendered huge sacrifices for the protection of country's boundaries.
The jirga was also addressed by tribal elders and leaders of peace committees including Mian Masood Jan, Malik Noshea Rwan khan, Malik Rahat, Malik Mohammad Rahman and Malik Zahir Shah. The elders termed that tribesmen of the area are fully alert to meet any challenges and no one would be allowed to interrupt the law-and-order situation in the Agency. "We are ready to face any challenges in the area, new posts have been established while the anti-militant activities have been extended to the border areas," they said.
The jirga unanimously imposed ban of providing shelter to suspected elements, foreigners and non-local people in their area. The jirga also decided to impose a fine of Rs 2 million on any local if he is found guilty of providing shelter to suspected elements in the area within the limits of Mandal tribe.
The elders demanded of the administration and the Federal Government to provide special development package to Mandal tribe. They said the tribesmen of Mandal tribe are peace-living citizen of Agency who always rendered huge sacrifices for the restoration of peace and writ of the government but, unfortunately, they have been ignored in the development activities.
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