June 14, 2008	Saturday	Jamadi-us-Sani 09, 1429

GHALANAI, June 13: Hundreds of tribal people staged a protest demonstration against Nato forces’ unprovoked bombing in Mohmand Agency and called for ‘jihad’ against ‘infidel’ forces.

The event was organised on the call of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). The protesters, holding placards and banners inscribed with anti-American slogans, urged the tribesmen to “be ready for jihad against infidel forces who want to destroy the tribal area”.

Local leaders of the JUI-F Maulana Samiullah, Qari Fazal Khaliq and others addressed the rally on the occasion. They demanded of the government to revise the pro-American policy and close the embassies of Western countries in Pakistan.

They said a grand jirga of tribal elders would be convened soon to devise future line of action for countering such attacks in the future. They said the US and allied forces were bombing and shelling innocent people in the tribal belt, and even not spared troops despite the fact that Pakistan was playing the role of a frontline allay in the global war on terror.

Speakers said the US and Nato forces had challenged the brave tribesmen and vowed to defend the country and protect tribal tradition. They asked tribesmen to come forward to face the challenge with bravery. They said the tribesmen were not weak, adding they knew how to defend their soil.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION: Mohmand Agency political agent, Amjad Khan, in a surprise visit to the Communication and Works department on Friday found the staff absent from duty and ordered disciplinary action against them.

Only a watchman was present at the office during the visit. The official work was pending for the last couple of months due to non-availability of staff members.

The government contractors were visiting the office daily but their bills were pending causing suspension of different development projects in the agency.

The local Taliban said they would not create hurdles in the activities of the government officials, adding full security and protection would be ensured to them in all parts of the district for continuation of the developmental work in the area.