KHAR, Dec 3: Political authorities in the Bajuar Agency arrested chairman of Tribal Peace Jirga and leader of the Awami National Party Shahabuddin Khan on Saturday. Officials said that the tribal elder was called for a meeting at the office of the agency’s assistance political agent and was sent to jail.

Authorities confirmed the arrest of Mr Khan, but declined to spell out charges against him. However, an official told Dawn on condition of anonymity that the tribal elder was arrested on charges of opposing operation against poppy growers in the area.

Political authorities have planned to launch operation against Salarzai tribe for sowing poppy crop in the area. The ANP workers protested against the detention of their leader and staged a protest meeting.

President of ANP, NWFP chapter, Bashir Bilour, MPA, condemned the arrest.

In a press release issued in Peshawar on Friday, Mr Bilour alleged that the political authorities were victimising tribesmen under the garb of Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR).

He demanded immediate release of Shahabuddin Khan and other tribesmen.