KHAR: The elders of Salarzai tribe in Bajaur Agency on Tuesday assured the political administration and security forces to establish writ of the government in the region.

During a jirga here on Tuesday, the tribal elders pledged to step up their efforts against militants to stop cross-border attacks in the area.

A large number of tribal elders belonging to various sub tribes, leaders of peace committees, Brig Ghulam Haider, Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabar Shah and other senior officials attended the jirga.

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The participants of the jirga discussed issues related to law and order situation in the region, militant activities along the border areas, working of village defence committees, strategy for countering anti-social activities and cross-border attacks.

Addressing the jirga, the political agent said that administration was committed to maintaining peace and writ of the government in the agency. Unfortunately law and order situation in the region remained unsatisfactory for the last several weeks, he added.

The official said that occurrence of several unpleasant incidents in the agency particularly in the border areas was reaction to military operation against militants in North Waziristan Agency.

He called upon the tribal elders to realise the situation and focus on maintaining peace in their areas because militants were trying to disturb peace and normalcy in the agency particularly in the border areas.

“We have credible information that militants can increase their activities in the agency to create terror and fear among the people. Therefore the elders should fulfil their collective responsibility and remain alert to counter these activities in their areas,” Mr Shah said.

Addressing the jirga, Brig Ghulam Haider asked the elders to step up their anti-militants activities to make the region secure.

Tribal elders including Malik Mohammad Yar, Malik Mohammad Younas Khan, Malik Hafizur Rehmen, Malik Abdul Nasar Khan and Israr Khan assured the administration and security forces of their full support in maintaining law and order in the region.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2014