PESHAWAR, Nov 14: Scores of internally displaced persons from Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency on Monday demonstrated on Sher Shah Suri Road against the ongoing military operation, especially the bombing of residential areas, in the restive tribal district.

Led by Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf leader Iqbal Afridi, they later observed a one-day token hunger strike at a camp to press the government for immediate halt to military offensive in Bara.

The protestors held banners inscribed with calls against killing of people, including women and children, in the operation and shouted slogans against the government.

Mr Afridi later told reporters that the government decided about the military action against militants in Khyber Agency, especially Bara tehsil, in haste distressing people, who suffered huge financial losses.

He said many IDPs had yet to be registered by the local administration for food and tents, compelling them to shelter with relatives.

“People were forced to vacate their houses in such a hurry that they couldn't even bring household items, beds and food items with them. They're in distress,” he said.

The PTI leader said many children, women and elderly people were ill but the government had failed to provide them with desperately needed medical aid. He demanded provision of beds, tents and food to IDPs without delay to prevent harm to their lives.