GHALANAI: The tribal elders have extended support to security forces in maintenance of law and order in Mohmand Agency and demanded initiation of development projects in the militancy-hit region.

More than 180 tribal elders, religious scholars and members of peace committees assured the authorities of their cooperation in restoration of peace during a jirga held in Ekka Ghound tehsil on Monday.

Prominent among the participants of the jirga were Malak Nasrat Tarakzai, Malak Attaullah Tarakzai, Malak Haneef Khan, Malak Izzat Khan, Tayyab Khan, Malka Dost Mohammad, Mohammad Badri Zaman, Malak Tehmash Khan Isakhel and Malak Ibrahim.

The jirga was also attended by Political Agent Khushal Khan, Assistant Political Agent (APA) Mohammad Naeem, Commandant Frontier Corps (FC) Col Umar Haider Bukhari and other senior officials.

APA Mohammad Naeem told Dawn that the jirga was called to take tribal people into confidence regarding action of security forces in various areas where some

militants were involved in sporadic attacks on government installations, security forces and members of peace committees.

He said that the tribal elders were asked to fulfil their responsibilities under collective territorial responsibility clause of FCR by protecting school buildings, health centres, polio vaccinators and government functionaries in their respective areas from militant attacks.

Mr Naeem said that tribal elders extended full cooperation to security forces and political administration in their efforts to restore durable peace in the region.

However, sources said that tribal elders urged the authorities to initiate development projects in the militancy-ravaged region forthwith.

They said that tribal people were affected by the prolonged war in the region.

They said that their properties were destroyed and businesses were closed.

The elders said that lasting peace couldn’t be restored in the region till provision of jobs, health and education facilities and initiation of developmental projects.

The officials of political administration told the elders development projects would be launched in the region to bring it at par with other developed areas of the country.

Col Bukhari said on the occasion that a handful of militants would not be allowed to disturb the peaceful environment of Mohmand Agency.

He also urged the local people to cooperate with the security forces.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2014