PESHAWAR: Political and human rights activists held a demonstration for early return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Buner, Swat and Dir, saying they cannot live in despicable conditions in camps.

The demonstration was jointly organised by the Pakistan Awami Party (PAP), Mingora Press Club, Matta Press Club and Pakistan International Human Rights Organisation outside the Peshawar Press Club to draw attention of the government towards the plight of the IDPs staying in and outside the camps in Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar and Swabi.

Carrying banners and placards inscribed with demands, political activists, journalists and social workers urged the government to end the uncertainty caused by the curfew in the militancy affected parts of the Swat, Buner and Dir. The demonstrators called upon the NWFP government to announce a timetable for their early return to their respective areas.

Speaking on the occasion, PAP chairman Fanoos Gujjar said thousands of residents had been living in inhuman conditions for the last two months owing to the ongoing military operation and continuing curfew in their areas.

He said thousands were stranded in remote areas, facing famine-like situation. He said people living in hilly and besieged areas were short of edible items, medicines and other basic requirements.

He said cholera was killing people in the affected areas. So for 13 children, including seven female babies had died from the disease. He said owing to the curfew, people in Kabal, Koza Bandi, Kanjo Township, Barh Bandi, Nangolai, Imam Dheri and adjoining villages could not step out of their houses.