KHAR: The people of Charmang tribe of Bajaur Agency on Tuesday announced to take effective steps for blocking infiltration of militants from Afghanistan into Pakistani territory.

The decision was taken by elders of Charmang tribe at a jirga held at the border town of Manogi. A large number of elders of various sub-tribes of Charmang tribe and members of village defence committees were present on the occasion.

The participants discussed the law and order situation in the area, responsibilities of the peace committees and strategy to stop infiltration of fleeing militants from the Afghan side into the border areas of the region.

The elders showed satisfaction over the law and order situation in the region and stated that normalcy had been restored following the joint efforts by the security forces and local people. The elders said that people of Charmang tribe were ready to thwart cross-border attacks in the area.

“We have the sprit and courage to fight against our enemies and we would never allow anyone to use our land for their anti-social activities,” said an elder. The elders assured the local administration and the security forces of their support in maintaining peace and preventing cross-border militant attacks in the border areas. They also pledged to take severe action against the supporters of miscreants in the region.

The jirga decided to set up more posts in border areas to check the movement of militants. It also decided to deploy additional volunteers of the defence committees at posts in the border areas to prevent cross-border attacks.

The participants announced not to give shelter to any person involved in anti-state activities. They warned that anyone found involved in such a matter would have to face action.

The peace committee of Charmang tribe, meanwhile, rejected reports that militants were trying to imposing Islamic law in the area. Talking to a group of mediapersons who visited the area, the elders said that no pamphlets had been distributed by militants in Manogi area for imposition of Shariah. “There is no presence of militants in our area,” they said.

Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2014