BAJAUR: Residents of Kamangara, a mineral-rich area in Nawagai tehsil here, on Friday protested ‘illegal’ mining being carried out by some influential people.

They blocked Nawagai-Kamangra Road to vehicular traffic for some time.

The participants alleged that an influential mafia had started illegal mining in their area, causing serious concern among them.

The protesters, mostly elders, pointed out that the influential people started their mining activities without following the legal procedure laid out in the provincial government’s mineral and mining policy.

They said mining contractors were not giving any share to the residents in their profits.

The protesters also accused the police and the administration officials of silence over the issue. They demanded of the deputy commissioner and the district police officer to stop the ‘illegal’ mining activity in their area to protect the rights of residents.

The protesters dispersed peacefully when a team of the district administration officials led by the Nawagai tehsildar assured them of addressing their concerns.

RAMAZAN PACKAGE: The district administration on Friday finalised arrangements for distribution of Ramazan relief package among the deserving people.

The decision was made at a meeting chaired by deputy commissioner Mohammad Anwarul Haq, according to a statement.

Additional deputy commissioner (general) Ali Raza, officials of local government, Nadra and police were in attendance.

The deputy commissioner said 4,000 deserving people had been identified for the provincial government’s Ramazan package.

He said Bajaur district had been divided into four zones with 1,000 people selected for relief in each zone.

He made it clear that the Ramazan package was meant only for orphans, widows and disabled persons. He said relief distribution would start from Monday (March 25).

Mr Haq warned the officials of taking action if any kind of irregularity and corruption was reported in the distribution process.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2024