The NWFP Governor Lieutenant General (Retd) Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai on Sunday said that certain mischievous elements were involved in creating law and order problems in Parachinar and elsewhere in the Agency.
These elements, he added, were having links with foreign elements who were trying to sabotage peace efforts, and urged elders of both the sects to cooperate with the administration in thwarting the evil designs of these elements.
He said this while talking to separate delegations of local Shia and Sunni elders at Parachinar, the headquarters of Kurram Agency, where he paid a surprise visit on Sunday. The Agency Political Agent Zaheerul Islam and other officials were also present on the occasion.
The Governor said that now when both the sects have agreed on a temporary truce up to 10th of next month, efforts should be geared up for confidence building between both the sects so that lasting peace returns to the Agency.
The Governor assured them full protection from the administration side and said security arrangements would be further strengthened. Regarding damages inflicted to the local population during recent disturbances, the Governor said that estimates were being gathered to compensate the affectees.
He, however, announced rupees one million for relief measures for displaced people and directed the administration to take good care of them and ensure constant flow of relief goods. He also directed the administration to shift the displaced people to safer places. While meeting with the Shia elders, the Governor urged upon them to strictly follow the temporary truce. He expressed concern over the incident of loot and plunders in Parachinar markets and stressed the Shia elders to make sure that this practice is stopped.