PESHAWAR, Nov 16: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Masood Kausar on Wednesday urged the people of the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas to keep a close eye on the troublemakers, fearing that they might resurface to disrupt peace restored by law-enforcers and political administration after great efforts and sacrifices.

“There is no doubt that tribal people are peace-loving but a handful of elements are there to disrupt peace for their ulterior motives. The people should remain vigilant,” he told a 14-member delegation of elders of Orakzai Agency during a meeting.Malik Naseer Hussain led the delegation, which called on Mr Kausar at the Governor's House here.

The governor said sectarian hatred was one of the issues that led to disturbances in some Fata agencies. He said those fanning sectarian hatred must be identified for punishment, adding that the people should promote religious harmony, tolerance and cohesion in the society.

“Peace in Kurram Agency has been restored after hectic efforts by law-enforcement agencies and local administration,” he said, adding that peace in the agency would be maintained at all costs and no one would be allowed to disrupt it again.

Mr Kausar said Fata had been brought to the political mainstream and expressed the hope that political activities would also help discourage religious extremism and terrorism.

He said implementation of Fata reforms was underway in phases and would be ensured by all means. He said security agencies were taking on terrorists and destructive elements effectively, while most of the areas had been cleared of such elements. He urged the tribesmen to play their due role in anti-terrorist activities.

The governor said the lasting peace in Fata could be maintained and development process furthered with the people's support and cooperation.

“Progress and development in Fata is a priority once peace is restored. We want the development process to continue without obstruction for early completion of public welfare schemes,” he said.

Mr Kausar informed the delegation that political administrations of tribal agencies would serve the people in future instead of ruling them as was done in the past.

“From no onwards, the administration will take the people along in development activities and will have to have close liaison with political activists,” he said.

The delegates apprised the governor of their problems, mostly related to education, health, communication and water supply schemes, prompting the latter to issue directions to the relevant officials for their early redressal.

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