SWAT: The residents of Kalam and Utror areas have lauded Upper Swat Jirga for its efforts to end more than 100-year-old feud over Dhesan meadows.

The jirga was led by the elders of Kalam, Utror, Thal, Lamuti, Kalkot, and Kurmrat areas including Maulana Gul Noor Shah, Malik Gul Sher, Malik Rahimullah, Malik Wazeefullah and others.

The elders said that several rounds of jirga were held to resolve the dispute. They said that end to the dispute would open new avenues for development of the mountainous region.

They said that dispute over Dhesan Banda meadows resulted in numerous battles, claiming many lives. The youth and elders of Utror warmly welcomed the people of Kalam, treating them to traditional Kalam cuisine.

The elders of Kalam and Utror pledged to stand united for getting education, healthcare and fundamental amenities.

Members of jirga from Dir, Kohistan and Ushu Matiltan including Maulana Gul Noor Shah, Malik Gul Sher, Malik Rahimullah and Malik Wazeefullah congratulated the residents of both the areas.

Mohammad Roshan, a social worker in Utror, said that addressing the issue was imperative as the dispute had hindered the progress and development of the region.

“The conflict had not only disrupted social cohesion in the area but also drained the region’s economic resources,” he said and termed the resolution of the old dispute a milestone in the history of upper Swat.

Nawab Kalami, another social activist, lauded the elders of Kumrat, Thal and Kalakot valleys of Dir and Kohistan for playing an effective role in resolving the dispute.

He said that celebration had taken place throughout Kalam and Utror valleys with the locals brimming with excitement and boundless happiness.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2023