NORTH WAZIRISTAN: A protest sit-in against the suspected quadcopter munitions drop in the Hurmuz village in Mirali tehsil here continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday.

Four children lost lives and five people, including a woman, suffered injuries in Monday’s strike.

Thousands of residents, including elders, youth, women and children, participated in the sit-in, demanding “facts” behind the attack be brought to light.

They also called for action against those responsible and justice for the affected families.

The sit-in led to the closure of highways across the district, including Mir Ali and Miramshah, paralysing educational, commercial and medical activities.

The incident has caused deep grief and anger among the local tribes.

Elder Malik Gulab said unannounced airstrikes in North Waziristan were not only a violation of basic human rights, but they were also increasing distrust among the local population.

He wondered how long children and women would continue dying in such strikes.

Mr Gulab said if a similar incident had happened in Sindh or Punjab, authorities would have stepped in for redressal.

District police officer Waqar Ahmad said the police had sent a jirga to calm down locals and were waiting for its outcome.

The district administration confirmed the development and said that negotiations were underway with protesters through the jirga.

It said that it respected the sentiments of the people and were using all resources for a peaceful resolution of the issue.

“Concerns of the protesters have been conveyed to high-ups. However, some jirga members say that the protest sit-in will continue until a high-level government assurance is given,” an official said.

Jirga member Malik Riaz Khan said that tribesmen were raising voice against the unjust killing of innocent children and not to serve any political interest.

“This protest will end when the affected families are provided with justice and written assurances,” he said.

Armed operations and air strikes have become routine in the North Waziristan district amid claims of residents that civilians are targeted in the attacks.

About several such incidents, the local population and human rights organisations have argued that these operations lack transparency and are outside the bounds of the due legal process.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2025