November 23, 2008	Sunday	Ziqa'ad 24, 1429

TIMERGARA, Nov 22: The Jamaat-i-Islami has demanded of the federal and provincial governments to end the military operation in Bajaur, Swat and Waziristan.

The demand was made at a protest rally held at Munda Samar Bagh on Saturday to press the government to halt the operation.

The rally attended by hundreds of party workers from Jandool area and the Bajaur IDPs was addressed by the JI’s provincial chief Sirajul Haq, Bajaur JI chief Sardar Khan, Jandool zonal chief Izazul Mulk Afkari and others.

The protesters also blocked the Munda-Bajaur road for some time.

Speakers on the occasion criticised both the federal and provincial governments and alleged that they had been following the US and Musharraf regime’s policies.

They were of the view that Pakistan was fighting the US war on its own soil, causing nearly half a million internal displacements. “The government has left the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the mercy of the international donor agencies and was doing nothing for them,” Mr Siraj said.

He threatened to launch an agitation movement if the government failed to end military operation.

TWO KILLED: Two brothers were allegedly killed by unknown assailants in Maidan area in the jurisdiction of Lal Qilla police station on Saturday.

Residents told Dawn that Wahidullah (24) and Hanifullah (18) were working in a field when armed men opened fire killing them on spot. The victims had no enmity with anyone, the residents added. relief goods: The International Committee of the Red Crescent (ICRC) on Friday distributed food and other relief items among Bajaur IDPs living in a camp set up at Khungi here.

An official of the ICRC Gose Megir Gondz told Dawn that food items like wheat, sugar, pulses, ghee, rice and tea were distributed among 1,098 families.

Besides, the IDPs were also given matrices, mats, ropes, stoves, quilts, metal plates and wood, said Mr Gondz.

He said the Bajaur IDPs needed more food, adding the ICRC distribution package was initially for 38 days but was extended to another 30 days.

The ICRC official said the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) was also distributing quilts, blankets, stoves, woolen shawls and jackets among the IDPs.

He resolved to continue to support the IDPs till they were back to their homes. He said the harsh weather had been a major hurdle in the distribution of the relief.

The inmates of the camp demanded of the donor agencies to increase food and fuel wood for them.

They also urged the government to halt the military operation in Bajaur so that they could go back to their homes.