Tribesmen refuse to leave N Waziristan town

Published August 9, 2014
The elders of tribesmen called a jirga to decide about the future course of action.— File photo
The elders of tribesmen called a jirga to decide about the future course of action.— File photo

BANNU: The residents of Ediak in North Waziristan Agency have refused to evacuate over the imminent military offensive against militants in the area.

The refusal comes two days after the administration served notices on hundreds of the residents of Razmak, Spinwam, Shewa, Shawal, Eidek and adjoining areas of the tribal agency to shift to Bannu without delay.

They were even offered free transport for Bannu.

The elders of tribesmen called a jirga on Thursday to decide about the future course of action.

The participants unanimously decided not to vacate their homes but said they would continue to be in contact with the administration on the matter.

Eidak is seven kilometres away from Mirali and has around 25,000 population. The Fata Disaster Management Authority has already made arrangements at Sidgai checkpost to register displaced families before giving them Rs20,000 each.

Later, the administration and Eidgai elders had talks until Thursday night. However, there was no breakthrough as both the sides stuck to their guns.

Another such jirga on the matter will take place shortly.

Also read: Mental agony overwhelms Waziristan tribesmen

There are reports about the presence of the people of Shewa and Razmak tehsils in Ediak despite the government’s warning.

A local official said the FDMA had deployed relevant staff at the registration point in Sidgai, who would provide necessary assistance to displaced families.

Meanwhile, all five registration points set up by the government to register IDPs in Bannu have yet to begin work due to the lack of proper arrangements by the staff posted there.

Recently, the administration through advertisements in the national media had asked unregistered IDPs to reach the registration points at Sports Complex, Commerce College Bannu, Degree College Mamshkhel, Vocational Institute for Women, and Elementary College.

However, the points remained closed despite presence of displaced persons in long queues.

Published in Dawn, Aug 9th, 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.