WANA, June 18: Thousands of tribesmen on Saturday thronged at Azam Warsak, 30km from here, to observe the first death anniversary of Nek Mohammad, a tribal militant who was killed during the military operation against foreign militants in the tribal agency last year. The tribesmen, including religious leaders and tribal elders, gathered at the grave of Nek Mohammad in Kalosha early in the morning before they marched to Azam Warsak, chanting slogans against the US and its allies.

The protesters were led by Maulvi Sharif, commander Mohammad Javed, Haji Mohammad Umar and Maulana Abdul Aziz. Maulana Abdul Malik, MNA, was also present on this occasion.

The procession turned into a public meeting at the football ground in Azam Warsak where tribal commanders and ulema declared that jihad against America and its allies would continue.

Significantly, organizers of the rally wore masks on their faces.

A big stage was erected at the football ground where more than 100 ulema sat.

Black flags were hoisted along the road from Wana to Azam Warsak and at the venue as a mark of protest and to express solidarity with the tribal mujahideen.

Speaking at the meeting, Nek Mohammad’s successor Haji Mohammad Umar said the government was violating the peace agreement reached with tribal militants by refusing to release those detained on suspicion of links with Al Qaeda.

He said such tactics would harm the peace and demanded release of all tribesmen.

Other speakers urged the security forces to stop the operation.