The Malakand operation has so far rendered over three million refugees. The majority indeed is from the worst-hit Swat. They live in the camps; and a majority of them has taken shelter with relatives, friends or rented houses. They fled the war in a hurry. Their stories are of misery, awe and distress.
There are many left behind in Swat; they were unable to make out and remained stranded. Their number is no small. The media gives an impression as if all the residents of Swat evacuated. The stranded residents, numbered several thousands, continue to live there in a state of uncertainty, although the situation is now improving. There were several reasons for his. Some had large families, and had little means to manage to flee the fighting. Another factor was continued curfew.
Then, the fighting in Mingora and parts of lower Swat had blocked all the outlets for thousands of people living in upper Swat to get out of the area. They were living in a horrible condition; they had little to eat and drink and could not replenish food supplies from anywhere when these ran out. Nor other essential facilities were available. Electricity and telephones could be rated as luxuries. They have suffered greatly. Besides being stranded between the forces at war, these people have lost all the resources of livelihood.
The government has promised to give Rs.25, 000 to each internally displaced family in the camps besides the daily supply of ration to it. While this package is too inadequate for each family, the registration process has not been completed yet, let alone the timely distribution of the relief funds.
The relief cash for each refugee family should have been at least Rs.100, 000 because the ordeals these people had to undergo was simply nerve-shattering and the cost of the valuable effects they left behind far exceeds the relief cash. Besides, the stranded people in Swat who could not leave the town must also be given the IDP status and entitled to all relief benefits and facilities as being given to the refugees because their sufferings are no less severe. In fact, the inhabitants of the war zone areas need more care and help.
They have suffered bad fate for no fault of theirs. Swat has no border either with any foreign country or with Fata or Kashmir but its residents had still become victims of violence. The militancy, imported from the tribal belt, has ruined the lives of the Swatis and their beautiful town. Many a woman of Swat are now seen begging in Pakistani cities. The brave, hospitable and simple people have met a fate they never deserved.
The question arises why didnt the army and the government nip the militancy in the bud; why did the authorities let these jihadis grow into terrorists and then become a menace for everybody and the state within two years; why was Swat, the Switzerland of Pakistan, allowed to turn into the most dangerous place. The major sources of livelihood of the people of Swat have been agriculture and tourism. Another source was white-collar salaried jobs which were dubbed unislamic by the self-styled saviours of religion. Those doing office jobs were regarded infidels and deserved to be killed. Tourism in Swat cannot be revived for years to come and agriculture stands destroyed. The crops have been damaged and obliterated.
Swat is famous for its apples, peaches, peas, rice and fresh vegetables. It is now the season of peaches, peas and the sowing period of maize and tomatoes. Those who are still there are not allowed to farm their lands or send their ready crops to markets.
The writer is a freelance columnist from Swat associated with Aryana Institute for Research and Advocacy.
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