Thousands of tribesmen accorded rousing welcome to the troops of the Frontier Corps (FC) when they entered Shakai valley of Southh Waziristan Agency on Monday The tribesmen were carrying banners inscribed with slogans welcoming Frontier Corps in their area and denouncing terrorism.
The Secretary, Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Security, Brigadier Mehmood Shah (Retd), Political Agent Asmatullah Gandapur, former Senator Malik Faridullah Khan, National Assembly member Maulana Abdul Malik, tribal elders and officials of the political administration were present on the occasion.
The Frontier Corps (FC) troops entered the valley in the aftermath of an agreement reached between the government and local tribes last week. Under the agreement, Spekai, Khomakhe, Shodakai and Khojal Khel tribes of Ahmadzai Wazir, while Miami and Malakshahi tribes of Utmanzai Wazir tribe had assured the government of their all out support, besides furnishing a guarantee worth Rs 10 million to the government.
The tribes also pledged that they would not provide sanctuary to foreigners/terrorists, protect military installations and assist the government in development activities. Prominent tribal leader Malik Faridullah Khan played crucial role in gathering the tribes of Shakai on a single platform and brokered the agreement.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Malik Faridullah Khan welcomed deployment of FC troops in the area, and hoped that it would ensure peace and stability in the area.
He said that peaceful environment was the most important prerequisite for the development and progress of the area, and thanked the government for giving tehsil status to Shakai.
Malik Faridullah Khan urged all tribes to strengthen the hands of security forces for securing frontiers of the country and maintaining peace in the agency.
Brigadier Mehmood Shah (Retd), speaking on the occasion, said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that all tribes were able to gather for the cause of peace in the area.
He said the government would not allow few individuals to disturb peaceful atmosphere in the area for their ulterior motives.
He said the government would soon initiate massive development works, which would change the socio-economic lot of the people of the area. He hoped that all tribesmen would abide by their pledge and ensure peace in the area.
Later, Mehmood Shah distributed foodstuffs worth Rs 0.6 million on behalf of the NWFP Governor among affectees and poor people of the area.