KHAR: The people have begun returning to five border villages of Mamond tehsil of Bajaur Agency after the security forces announced postponement of an operation against militants in the region.

Around 30,000 people of Loi Mamond tehsil, Nakhatar, Ghakhai, Mula Killi, Gohati and Kitkoot had fled homes three days ago fearing the launch of the military operation.

The operation was postponed after local elders announced formation of a tribal lashkar to crack down on insurgents in the region.

Bajaur tribesmen raise lashkar to stop infiltration

The returning tribesmen told Dawn on Friday that they’d come back after learning about delay in the military operation, while the rest were following suit.

Taj Khan of Nakhthar village said all those, who fled the area, were likely to return today (Saturday).

He said though he and other members of his family were happy to return home but at the same time, they felt little insecure.

The tribesmen criticised the local administration for not providing financial assistance to them and said they’d left their homes on the directives of the administration.

They insisted on average, local families, mostly poor ones, had lost Rs30,000 each while fleeing homes.

They demanded early payment of financial assistance and appealed to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor, the Fata additional chief secretary and officials of the administration to step in and ensure relief to them. The local administration confirmed the return of local residents.

An official said most families, which had moved to Khar and other urban areas of Bajaur Agency, didn’t want to return due to uncertain situation. “Some people have decided to not come back until the situation becomes normal,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 19th , 2014