November 23, 2008	Sunday	Ziqa'ad 24, 1429

LANDI KOTAL, Nov 22: Hundreds of displaced persons from Bajaur and Mohmand tribal regions reached here via Torkhum border after travelling to Afghanistan due to the ongoing military operation and imposition of curfew in their areas.

These displaced tribesmen, after their arrival at the Torkhum border, said that they were compelled to travel to Afghanistan as all entry and exit points to the respective agencies had been closed by the military authorities due to the operation against militants in Bajaur and Mohmand agencies.

Narrating their ordeal, they said that they had to cross the River Kabul by small boats and had to walk on foot for long distance in order to reach back Pakistan.

Some residents of Bajaur had reached Torkhum after travelling through Kunar province and other rugged areas of Afghanistan.

Local people and welfare organisations provided food and other necessary items to the displaced tribesmen after their arrival at Landi Kotal. Some were also provided temporary accommodation before their leaving for Peshawar.

Volunteers of the Al-Khidmat Foundation provided them clothes and arranged transportation for them as most of the affected people were without any money to bear travel expanses.

The volunteers said that they would also establish a temporary relief camp in Landi Kotal if the influx of the tribesmen continued in future.