BANNU: Elders of Utmanzai tribe are divided over the repatriation of internally displaced persons to North Waziristan Agency, where the military operation is underway.

The division was seen during a jirga convened at the Township Hall, Bannu on Saturday to discuss return of IDPs to their homes.

The participants split into two groups, one led by Malik Khan Marjan and the other by Maulvi Gul Ramazan.

The supporters of Malik Khan Marjan left the hall during the session and went to commissioner Mohsin Shah.

Some insist IDPs be repatriated now but others want this to happen only after restoration of peace

However, the supporters of the Maulvi Gul Ramazan group stayed put to discuss the matter.

The elders, who met the commissioner, demanded that the government send IDPs to the areas, which had been cleared by the security forces of militants.

Also read: Tribesmen refuse to leave N Waziristan town

They insisted security forces had cleared Miramshah, Mirali and other areas, so displaced families from such areas should be repatriated.

However, the Gul Ramazan group opposed it saying IDPs should not be repatriated until the government ensured lasting peace in the agency.

It said it couldn’t ensure on its own the protection of the tribesmen under the current circumstances.

Over half a million people have so far been displaced from North Waziristan due to the ongoing military action against militants.

Most of them have shifted to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Meanwhile, local authorities have decided to begin second shift in government schools for displaced students from North Waziristan.

Fata director (education) Roz Wali Khan said the data about displaced students was being compiled and that a report on it would be shared with the provincial education department for necessary action.

He said the second shift would begin for displaced students after the displaced families vacated the premises.

The director said tribesmen would begin vacating schools today (Sunday).

He said teachers from North Waziristan would teach students of their agency in Bannu and that they all had been given directions for the purpose.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2014