LANDI KOTAL: Most of the areas in Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency were cleared of militants and the rest would be cleared soon, said Commandant of Khyber Rifles Col Tariq Hafeez.

Addressing a jirga of Kukikhel elders at Jamrud Jirga Hall on Monday, he said that military operation ‘Khyber-1’ was underway successfully in Bara as most of the militants of different groups had surrendered to security forces and accepted writ of the government.

Col Tariq said that security forces were committed to flush out all anti-state elements from their sanctuaries. He urged tribal elders to unite against anti-state elements and form a peace committee to help in restoration of peace in the entire Khyber Agency.

He said that they would not spare a single militant. He said that the military operation might affect other areas in Khyber Agency as militants were trying to take refuge in Jamrud and Landi Kotal tehsils.

The security official assured the jirga that military operation was achieving its prime targets and it would continue till clearance of Bara of all kinds of evils.

“I request all elders and maliks to cooperate with the government so that a desirable peace could be established in the area,” Col Tariq urged the jirga members and added that it was not the sole responsibility of the security forces or other government departments but every local individual should play his due role in maintenance of law and order in the region.

He said that restoration of peace was vital for promoting education, health facilities and economy in the area. He urged the jirga members to avoid giving shelter to any militant in their villages. He said that stern action would be taken against the harbourers of anti-social elements.

Assistant Political Agent Fahad Wazir in his address said that some militants had control over a small portion of the area and they were increasing their activities there. He said that joint raids would be conducted on the suspected compounds in Jamrud.

Regarding polio cases in Khyber Agency, Mr Wazir said they had chalked out a new plan to engage all local people and tribal elders in the anti-polio campaigns.

Local elders, Malik Hafeezullah Jan, Malik Ismail Afridi, Salahuddin Kukikhel, and Malik Hazrat Wali extended their support to the security forces.

However, they requested the commandant of Khyber Rifle to take care of local customs and traditions while conducting operations in the area.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2014