MIRAMSHAH: One person was killed and 10 others were injured when security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters in Hamzoni village of Datta Khel tehsil in North Waziristan tribal district on Friday.

The locals were protesting against the arrests made in connection with Thursday’s remote-controlled bomb blast in which a havaldar was martyred near Dand Kaly. The blast occurred when a bomb disposal team was on a routine search in the area. Havaldar Ahmed Khan lost his life and three other soldiers suffered injuries in the blast.

The region has seen such bomb attacks sporadically for the past few months.

Residents said the crowd had gathered at Shna Khwarha of Khattai Killay following the search operation and arrest of the suspects. They blocked the road to stop the transfer of the arrested persons and demanded their release. The situation got out of hand with security forces resorting to firing to disperse the protesters. One man died and 10 others were injured.

Maj Gen Mumtaz Hussain visited the Miramshah hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured and announced Rs500,000 compensation for the deceased and Rs200,000 for each injured.

Newly-elected MNA from North Waziristan Mohsin Dawar also visited the hospital to inquire about the well-being of the injured and console their families.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2018