APROPOS the news report ‘Next stage of IDPs repatriation to start on 11th’ (April 7). For the past five years the army has been conducting an operation against militants in different parts of Fata. More than three million people became IDPs and went to live in different parts of the country. After the clearance of some areas, the IDPs have started to return home. Unfortunately, those who have returned say the facilities available are insufficient owing to increased pressure on the existing infrastructure.

There is a food shortage, water is unsafe for human use, health care facilities are insufficient besides long hours of loadshedding. The IDPs also complain of restrictions on their movement and say that they need permission from the authorities to take sick people to the settled areas.

The IDPs request the authorities to restore normality in their lives as they have sacrificed everything for the sake of peace and prosperity of the country.

Rafi uddin Mehsud

Fata

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2016