GHALANAI: Mohmand Rifles Commandant Colonel Umar Haider Bokhari has said that the security forces with the support of local tribesmen have cleared most areas of Mohmand Agency of militants and restored peace there.

Talking to journalists here, he said that the security forces along with the local peace committees and the political administration had set up checkposts in the agency to restrict the movement of militants.

“Mohmand Agency is a peaceful area and the security forces have only imposed night curfew to check the movement of militants in the area,” said Col Bokhari, adding that the government’s writ had been restored to the tribal agency after successful military operations.

He said that the sacrifices of the security forces and tribesmen had paved the way for restoration of the state writ in the agency.

He expressed the confidence that Mohmand tribesmen would continue supporting the government efforts for restoration of peace in the agency, and would not allow anti-state elements to regroup in future.

He urged the tribesmen to keep watch in their respective areas and inform security forces upon seeing any suspected element.

He urged the displaced tribal elders of Mohmand Agency to return to their homes without fear.

The commandant said the Mohmand Agency had vast potential in marble and mining sectors, which, if properly explored, could help improve the local economy.

He said that work on 17-kilomter-long road from Ghalanai to Nahaqi would be completed at the end of current month.

Published in Dawn February 25th , 2015

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