SWAT/LOWER DIR: The residents of Swat and Lower Dir took to the streets against “rising” attacks on the police, and demanded arrest of the perpetrators.

Residents of Ser Telegram area of Charbagh tehsil blocked the Malam Jabba Road, condemning recent incidents of firing targeting the police.

Holding white flags and banners inscribed with “we want peace in Swat,” people gathered at the Talegram police post, chanting slogans for peace.

Prominent among the participants were Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, Hilal Danish, Adalat Khan, Naik Amal, Swab Khan, Javed, and Dr Farooq Ali.

The march was organised by the people of Ser Talegram, the Matorezi Qaumi Jirga, and members of civil society.

The participants vowed that they would not tolerate any further ‘experiments’ with the people of Swat as they had already experienced the devastating effects of militancy and the counterinsurgency efforts.

“We know who is behind these attacks, and we warn them that there will be no more games and no more deception with the people of Swat,” a protester declared.

The elders said that they wanted to send a clear message to “those who initiated the senseless cycle of militancy in the country”.

“We will no longer be deceived by these planned acts of terrorism in Swat. We know who brings them here and who supports them. We, the people of Swat, will not allow them to disrupt our peace any longer,” an elder declared.

They also mentioned that if militants tried to challenge the peace in Swat again, the people would be ready to fight against them.

Meanwhile, members of Swat’s civil society convened a meeting in Mingora to discuss the recent attacks on police. The meeting included journalists, traders, youth, lawyers, teachers, and office-bearers of Swat Olasi Pasoon.

The participants announced they would mobilise people and also organise a sit-in in Mingora.

Meanwhile, the Dir Amn Pasoon, a citizens’ body, on Friday staged a protest rally against an attack on a police post in Mayar area of Lower Dir, and demanded arrest of the attackers.

Hundreds of people from Jandol area participated in the rally.

MNA Mohammad Bashir Khan, PMA Ubaidur Rehman, former MPAs Izazul Mulk Afkari of JI, Haji Bahadar Khan of ANP, Qari Noor Zaman of JUI-F, Mohammad Hanif Khan of PPP and others spoke on the occasion.

Carrying white flags, the protesters chanted slogans against the government for its failure to protect the lives of law enforcement agencies and common citizens.

The speakers said the nation had lost trust in state institutions as militants freely crossed the border and attacked security forces.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2024