PESHAWAR, Dec 7: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has warned that those who want to obstruct the new district governments system will be dealt with sternly.

No one would be allowed to create any obstacle in the way of devolution and any body doing so would be punished irrespective of his position, he told a meeting of district Nazims here on Friday.

The meeting discussed the problems coming up in the implementation of the new system, law and order in the districts, and difficulties faced by the Nazims in carrying out public welfare activities. The reports submitted by the Nazims pertaining to the creation of district cadres in health and education departments also came under discussion.

The governor told the district Nazims to evolve a mechanism aimed at protecting the lives and property of people and ensuring a normal social life.

The meeting discussed the agitational approach adopted by certain religio-political parties in connection with the Afghan war and termed it uncalled-for.

The governor asked the district Nazims to strive hard to keep the situation under control but added that their actions should be within the framework of the provincial government policy.