MINGORA: A number of people from different walks of life on Sunday gathered at Matta Chowk in Khwazakhela and Nishat Chowk in Mingora against what they called unnecessary checking on security checkposts in Swat. They also demanded removal of unnecessary checkposts.

They said that Swat was a peaceful place and its people were peace-loving, but despite return of peace years ago the checkposts were affecting their social, financial and educational activities.

“The unnecessary checkposts be removed and the officials should treat the people politely,” said Mohammad Riaz, a local elder and political leader who was participating in Khwazakhela gathering.

The participants said that after the Feb 4 suicide bomb blast inside the army unit’s sports area in Kabal tehsil the checking had been heightened on the checkposts.

“For the last 15 days people are reaching their destinations late and one has to prove one’s identity several times due to which people cannot reach to their offices, educational institutions and hospitals in time,” said Asif who was part of Nishat Chowk gathering.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2018