MANSEHRA, Jan 26: Elders of Kohistan on Thursday announced that locals would continue to be part of Hazara division if Abaseen division was created without their consultation.

“We have made it clear to the Awami National Party government that if a neutral venue between Kohistan and Battagram is not selected as headquarters and Kohistan is not divided into two districts before notifying creation of Abaseen division, we will oppose it and remain with Hazara division,” said Kohistan MPA Abdul Sattar Khan told a news conference here.

Local elders showed up in large numbers. Mohammad Gulzar, Maulana Shahzad, Mohammad Mohsin and Kimia Gul were noted among them.

Mr Abdul Sattar, who was elected to the provincial assembly from a constituency composed of Kohistan’s urban and rural areas, said he had met ANP core committee in Peshawar and placed Kohistan people’s demands before them.

“I am optimistic that the government will take people of Kohistan on board before notifying Abaseen division as they want their demands met,” he said.

The MPA said people of Pales tehsil of Kohistan had been unable to visit Battagram for a long time due to conflict with people of Allai tehsil of Battagram over ownership of Choar hilltop.

“Hundreds of people have fallen prey to the conflict. Battagram is no-go area for people of Pales,” said Mr Khan.

Mr Abdul Sattar said a grand jirga would be held at Dasso and Puttan shortly to decide the locals’ future course of action over Abaseen issue.

“Kohistan is rich in natural resources and many hydroelectric projects could be built here benefitting from them,” he said, adding that the people of the remote and backward district should be given due rights.

POLIO REFUSAL CASES: The cases of polio vaccination refusal on religious grounds have reported a gradual decline in Torghar district.

Three children from the district had tested positive for polio last year.

Expanded Programme of Immunisation coordinator for Torghar Dr Zahid Khan told a news conference here on Thursday that the locals’ refusal to get their children immunised led to the last year’s three polio cases in the highly conservative district.

“More than 400 immunisation refusal cases were reported in the district over the last couple of years. However, the number has reduced to around 150 due to the efforts of ulema in polio campaigns sponsored by National Research for Developmental Foundation and district health department,” he said.

The EPI coordinator said like other parts of the country, a three-day immunisation campaign in the district would begin in Torghar district on January 30 to administer anti-polio drops to more than 38,000 children of five years of age and below.

He said 240 mobile, 40 fixed and nine transit teams were formed to carry out the campaign.