KHAR: The Bajaur Agency political administration has asked the elders to help maintain peace and check activities of suspected persons in their respective areas.

“We are concerned over the recent incidents of militancy in the region and cannot remain silent over such happenings. Therefore, we request the elders and members of peace committees to fulfill their duty to keep their areas free of militants and miscreants,” said political agent Mohammad Yahya Akhunzada, while addressing a condolence reference here organised to pay tribute to slain political tehsildar Sahibzada Khan and three Levies personnel who died in a roadside explosion in Salarzai area, last week.

Security officials, including Pak Army commander north sector Brigadier Mohammad Ziaul Islam, tribal elders, members of peace committees, political and religious leaders and close relatives of the slain officials were in attendance.

The political agent said that the administration was committed to ensuring peace in the region to ensure sustainable development.

He said that incidents of militancy had increased in various areas of the agency owing to the failure of the elders and members of peace committees to fulfill their responsibility. He asked the elders and members of peace committees to stay alert to thwart militant attacks in the region.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2014