LAKKI MARWAT/DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The action committee of internally displaced persons has demanded of the government to increase the number of ration distribution points.

Abdul Khalil, the chairman of IDPs action committee, told a press conference in Lakki Marwat on Tuesday that provincial government failed to keep its promises made with the displaced tribesmen of North Waziristan Agency.

He alleged that the Bannu incident, wherein IDPs and police clashed last week during distribution of ration, was a conspiracy to conceal corruption of local officials.

He asked the government to constitute a committee consisting of officials of administration and army and representatives of IDPs to probe the Bannu incident.

Flanked by Gul Daraz and Sakhi Marjan, Mr Khalil said that the arrested displaced tribesmen were released on the intervention of federal government but local police didn’t return their seized vehicles and other goods.

Displaced people demand inquiry into Bannu incident

He said that government didn’t fulfil its promise about providing free education and scholarships to the displaced tribal students.

“Tribal people are patriotic citizens as they always guarded the frontiers of the country without getting salaries,” Mr Khalil said. He demanded of the government to set up a ration distribution point in Lakki Marwat and resolve the problems faced by IDPs. He also urged the government to take practical steps for dignified repatriation of IDPs.

Meanwhile, the district administration of Dera Ismail Khan has said it faces shortage of winter goods for the displaced persons of North Waziristan.

According to the daily official report, the administration needs different winter related items including 18,000 blankets, 40,000 sweaters and 6,000 big tents besides other goods to protect the displaced people from cold.

It says that the administration also needs 6,000 mosquito nets, 18,000 bed sheets, 18,000 solar lights, 6,000 mattresses and 40,000 water purification tablets to extend relief to the displaced tribal people.

However, the administration has accelerated its efforts to arrange the required items and succeeded in getting some items or pledges from various organisations.

The report adds that the administration has provided medical treatment and free medicines to more than 18,090 displaced patients.

The authorities have distributed over 37,380 food and 17,350 non-food items among 5,985 displaced families.

Three assistance centres in educational institutions have been wound up and a new centre at Sports Stadium, Ratta Kulchi has been made operational to distribute relief good among the displaced families. So far over 3,270 displaced families have received Rs8,000 each across the district.

The report says that over 21,000 complaints of various natures have been forwarded to the agencies concerned so far.

Published in Dawn, November 19th , 2014