KHAR, Sept 15: The security forces have urged the Salarzai tribesmen of Bajaur Agency to expedite their activities against militants for maintenance of peace in the area.

Addressing a jirga of Salazai tribes in Pasaht on Sunday, Commandant Bajaur Scouts Col Shakeel Janjua said that peace was restored in the region with great efforts of security forces and tribal people.

“Now maintenance of peace and protection of agency from anti-state elements is the basic responsibilities of every tribesman,” he said, adding that security forces would provide basic and modern facilities to the people of militancy-hit areas.

A large number of tribal elders, members of peace committees belonging to various sub-tribes of Salarzai and senior civil and military officials attended the jirga.

Col Shakeel said that security forces performed their duty by eliminating militants and establishing peace and writ of the government in the region. “Now it is the responsibility of tribesmen to fulfil their duty by maintaining peace in their areas,” he added.

The official asked tribal elders to step up their anti-militant activities and fulfil their responsibilities with honesty and devotion. He added that team work was needed for the security of the area.

Col Shakeel urged tribal people to remain vigilant to stop anti-social activities and protect public property from militants in their areas. He said that security forces were aware of the problems being faced by the local people.

He said that several development projects would be launched soon in the area to ameliorate the life standard of tribal people.

He lauded tribal people for rendering sacrifices to eliminate militants and restore peace in the area. Addressing the jirga, tribal elders said that they were alert and several new pace committees were formed in the border areas to check movement of militants and counter cross-border attacks.

They said that Salarzai people were committed to maintaining peace and writ of the government in the area because they knew that those were essential for development and progress.

“We were ready to counter cross-border attacks by militants in our areas,” the elders said.

They added that several more peace committees were formed and additional posts were established in the border areas to check movement of militants and counter cross-border attacks.