KHAR: The Mamond tribesmen in Bajaur Agency formed a qaumi lashkar (militia) to prevent infiltration of militants in the areas near Pakistan-Afghanistan border and eliminate insurgents hiding there after security forces postponed its planned operation in five villages in the region.

The Mamond Qaumi Laskhar was formed during a jirga of the tribesmen of Loe Mamond and Warh Mamond tehsils here on Thursday. A large number of tribal elders and members of peace committees attended the jirga.

The jirga discussed law and order situation in the region and strategy for launching an effective action against the suspected militants in the border villages of the agency.

Pro-government tribal elders, leaders of various political parties and members of peace committees including Malik Abdul Aziz Khan, Malik Ataullah Khan, Malik Mohammad Ayaz Khan, Malik Sultanzeb Khan, Dr Khail Khan, Qari Abdul Majeed and Malik Shatar Khan addressed the jirga.

Houses of nine suspected militants set on fire

The speakers lauded the role of MNA Haji Bismillah Khan, tribal elders, political leaders and local administration in postponing the planned military operation in the border areas of Mamond tehsil.

They said that military operation could affect law and order situation in the area. They said that Mamond tribesmen were peace-loving people, who always helped security forces in maintaining peace and establishing writ of the government in the area.

The speakers said that Mamond tribesmen were united and alert to counter cross-border attacks in the area. “Mamond tribe has the sprit and courage to fight against the militants. We assure the security forces that we will defeat militants whenever they attack the border areas. The forces and administration have to trust in our efficiency and loyalty,” they said.

After a long discussion, the participants of the jirga decided to form Mamond Qumi Lakhar to launch action against militants in the area. The jirga decided that maximum number of people of Loe and Warh Mamond would be inducted in the lashkar.

At least two members of every family aging between 20 to 55 in Loi and Warh Mamond would be included in the akshar, the jirga decided. The lashkar will focus on maintenance of peace and checking militants’ activities in the region.

Military operation in Bajaur put on hold

The participants of the jirga pledged to fight alongside security forces against militants. They said that the laskhar would step up efforts to check suspicious activities in the area.

It was also decided that the lashkar would establish several new posts at various localities along Pakistan-Afghanistan border to prevent cross-border attacks in the region.

The jirga decided to start deployment of volunteers in several sensitive areas, which militants used for carrying out cross-border attacks, from Friday.

Soon after the formation of the lashkar, its volunteers launched action against suspected elements in the different areas of the region.

Sources said that the volunteers set on fire nine houses of suspected militants in Kitkoot, Nakhtar, Erab, Ghoati, Zarrri and Ghakhai villages.

They said that the owners of the torched houses were involved in anti-social activities and wanted by security forces.

Published in Dawn, July 18th, 2014