KHAR, July 25: The elders of Mamond tribe in Bajaur Agency have threatened to take action against militants inside Afghanistan if any cross-border attack takes place in the tribal region in future.

The tribal elders decided to form an armed lashkar to prevent cross-border attacks during a jirga here on Wednesday. Hundreds of elders of different sub-tribes, leaders of various peace committees and religious scholars attended the jirga.

Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabar Shah, Commandant Bajaur Scouts Col Shakeel Janjua and other senior officials also participated in the jirga. The jirga discussed law and order situation in the border areas, arrangements made by the volunteers against militant attacks and role of peace committees in maintenance of peace in the area.

Addressing the jirga tribal elders Malik Taj Mohammad, Malik Satar Khan, Malik Abdul Khaliq Khan, Malik Abdul Aziz Khan, Malik Abdul Jalil Khan and Malik Shahpur Khan assured the administration of their full support in maintaining writ of the government in the area.

They said that Mamond tribesmen were united and alert to encounter cross-border attacks in their areas. “The Mamond tribe has the sprit and courage to fight against Taliban,” they said.

They said that Mamond tribe had always defeated militants whenever they attacked the borders areas of the region, particularly in the recent past wherein volunteers killed score of attackers. “We are committed to protect our land from any aggression and no one would be allowed to intrude on the region,” they added. The elders demanded of Afghan government to immediately stop the movement of the militants, living in Kunar province of Afghanistan.

“The Afghan government should redress the issue on priority basis and take steps to stop cross-border attacks otherwise tribesmen will use their own techniques to counter the attacks,” they threatened.

They also urged Pakistan government to take steps in that regards. The tribesmen would not tolerate such attacks in the borders areas in future, they added.

“The Mamond tribesmen will target their enemies inside Afghanistan if any attack takes place in the borders areas of the region in future,” the elders threatened.

They said that a strong Mamond Qaumi Laskhar, comprising all sub-tribes of Mamond, would be formed after Eid. They said that thousands of volunteers would be inducted in the lashkar.

Addressing the jirga, the political agent lauded the efforts of tribal elders for maintaining writ of the government in the borders areas of the region.

“We are proud of the sacrifices, rendered by Mamond tribe to eliminate militants in the region,” he said. He added that elders of the areas should organise all tribesmen for protection of their land form militants.