KHYBER: A jirga of elders in Tirah valley here on Saturday demanded of the government to take steps to arrest the deteriorating law and order situation in most parts of the region.

The jirga was held in Lalay Kas area of Bar Bagh.

The participants expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of targeted killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom.

Speaking on the occasion, Malakdinkhel elder Haji Zahir Shah Afridi called upon the government to stop ‘subjecting’ tribesmen to torture and raids on their house in name of so-called search operations, while turning a blind eye to the ‘free’ movement of militants in different parts of Tirah.

He questioned the sudden rise in incidents of terrorism and extortion despite presence of security checkposts in different parts of the valley and checking of everyone entering Tirah.

“People of Tirah also deserve peace in their area,” he added.

Haji Gul Afridi, another tribal elder, asked the law enforcement agencies to focus on restoration of peace rather than ‘terrorising’ innocent local residents during raids on their houses.

He alleged that innocent tribesmen were picked during search operations and then subjected to third-degree torture during custody, which had spread a wave of terror and fear among the residents.

He threatened that the tribesmen would protest if deteriorating law and order situation was not improved.

The jirga formed a committee to hold negotiations with the security officials for addressing their grievances.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2023