CHARSADDA, Dec 6: The Mohmand tribal elders called upon the government and the militant groups to resolve the disputes through dialogue, stressing use of force was no solution to any problem.

The decision was taken at a grand jirga held here at the residence of Malka Mohammad Ali Haleemzai in Shabqadar on Saturday. Large number of tribal elders and ulema attended the jirga.

The jirga through a unanimous resolution urged the government and militant groups to resolve the problems on the negotiating table. They said that at this critical situation when our traditional enemy India was hurling threats and trying to mould international opinion against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan the government should take all political, religious parties and groups into confidence to covey a message of unity to the entire world.

They urged the government to stop military operation in Mohmand Agency, Swat, Bajaur and Dara Adamkhel forthwith and initiate talks with Taliban groups.

The jirga said that the tribal people were patriotic Pakistanis and would defend the motherland till the last drop of their blood, but the government should also come forward and minimise their sufferings.

They demanded of the government to stop military operation and lift curfew in the tribal areas in respect of Eidul Azha. The tribal leaders said thousands of tribesmen were made refugees in their own land and were living in tents in various areas despite harsh winter.

The jirga said that it was a great challenge for the nationalist forces and religious parties to rid the region of the prevailing uncertainty and law and order situation.

The jirga also suggested that major chunk of the Benazir Income Support Programme should be spent on the welfare of the internally displaced persons from Bajaur, Swat and other troubled areas.

The jirga said tribal traditions should not be disturbed in the name of developmental projects

The jirga was attended by former MNA Malak Fazal Manan Kodakhel, Malak Nusrat Tarakzai, Malak Khaistagul Tarakzai, Malak Israel Safi, Malak jan syed Musakhel, Malak Sultan Baizai Malak Manzoor, Malak Zaman, Malak Amjad, Malak Ahmed Jan and others.