GHALANAI, Feb 3: Elders of various tribes have vowed to strengthen tribal traditions and jirga system which according to them are vital for flushing out militants and restoration of peace in Mohmand Agency.

Addressing a jirga of Haleemzai, Tarakzai, Khwezai, Baizai and Safi tribes, at Yakaghund on Tuesday, the tribal elders said that efforts would be made to restore sanctity and status of tribal system at all costs as without tribal traditions and customs of hujra and jirga all the problems would remain pending.

Attended by hundreds of tribesmen, the jirga was aimed at devising joint strategy for strengthening tribal traditions to resolve all issues through mutual discussions.

They said that the old tribal system was the only way out of the prevailing situation being faced by the tribesmen in shape of militancy. Peace and tranquillity could be maintained in the region through tribal traditions, they added.

They said that tribesmen were fed up with the violence and wanted peaceful atmosphere to put their backward areas on the path of progress and prosperity.

“Peace is vital for development. The growing tension in the region has turned the tribal belt into a battle ground and the ultimate sufferers are poor tribesmen,” they added.

They said the education, health and business of the tribesmen are at stake due to the ongoing war between security forces and Taliban militants.

They said a large number of people had vacated their houses and were living in makeshift tented houses. The houses of innocent people were razed and torched in their absence and their households and cattle heads were looted, they said.

The tribal elders said they would leave no stone unturned to restore peace in the region and resolve issues through dialogue. “War is no solution to the problems,” they added.

They urged the government and militants to resolve all issues through negotiations. No body would be allowed further to use tribal soil for their own agenda, they said.

They elders called upon the tribesmen to unite for their rights and protect sanctity of the tribal tradition.

TWO KILLED: A tribesman, Abdul Akber, and his son Jehangir were killed over a land dispute in Yusufkhel village of tehsil Haleemzai on Tuesday.