KHAR: The administration of Bajaur Agency has directed the tribal elders to protect government installations in the region.

Strict action would be taken against the elders if public property was attacked in their areas, the officials told a jirga here on Thursday.

The jirga was attended by tribal elders and members of peace committees of Utmankhel tribe besides Political Agent Mohammad Yahya Akhunzada, Assistant Political Agent Sohail Ahmed Khan and other senior officials of the administration.

Issues related to law and order and strategy to protect schools, health centres and other public property from miscreants were discussed in the jirga.

The political agent asked the tribal elders to fulfil their responsibility to protect government installations in their areas as some miscreants were trying to attack schools, health centres and other public property in the region.

“We have received information that some anti-social elements can attack government installations in the area therefore the elders who are the main backup of the administration should fulfil their responsibility with commitment and sincerity according to tribal traditions,” the political said.

Mr Akhunzada said that although administration was taking steps to protect public property from attacks but it would difficult without the support of local tribesmen. The official said that protection of government installations was the main responsibility of the tribal elders. He said that action would be taken against the elders if any public property was attacked in their areas.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2014