KHAR, May 7: The political administration has suspended cellular phone service in Bajaur Agency after the Friday’s suicide attack in the tribal region, according to sources.

They said that cellular phone service in the entire region was suddenly suspended. “Cellular phone service in our area is completely suspended,” Hanif Khan, a resident of Khar told Dawn.

The local administration has said nothing about the disconnection of cellphone service in the area officially. However, an official confirmed suspension of cellphone service in the region.

“The administration has suspended cellphone service with immediate effect to help restore peace in the region,” the official said. He said that decision in that regard was taken in a high level meeting.

“The administration believes that militants are using cellphones for carrying out their activities in the region,” he added.

The local tribesmen have condemned suspension of cellphone service in the area.

They demanded immediate restoration of the service. “The suspension of cellphone service would create fear among the people,” they said

JIRGA: A jirga of tribal elders of Bajaur Agency on Monday assured security forces and local administration of its full support to uproot militancy in the region.

The participants of the jirga said that strict action would be taken against those tribesmen, who were supporting militants. The jirga was convened by local administration to discuss the growing incidents of violence and militancy in the region.

Deputy Inspector General of Frontier Crops Maj-Gen Mohammad Usman, Commandant Bajaur Scouts Col Shakeel Janjua and Political Agent Islamzeb also attended the jirga.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj-Gen Usman claimed that security forces with the help of tribal elders had cleared the region of militants.

“The Friday’s suicide attack showed that militants were regrouping again but security forces will never allow them to disturb peace of the region,” he said.

He said that security forces were fully alert to check militant activities. “Serious action will be taken where militants are found because they are the biggest enemies of the area and their only aim is to disturb peace and stability in the region,” Maj-Gen Usman said.

The tribal elders said that they had always supported security forces and administration against militants during the last five years.

“We want restoration of peace and stability and writ of government. We will never allow those elements, who are the enemies of peace and prosperity of our people, to operate in the area,” they said.

The elders said that strict action would be taken against those people, who were supporting militants, in accordance with tribal traditions.