KARAK, Dec 26: Residents of Alwargi and adjacent villages here on Wednesday formed a committee of volunteers to ensure security to the exploration activities of Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) and other companies in the area.

The residents, led by Malik Azizur Rehman, Malik Sada Gul and Maulana Ahmad Jan, also held a peace march from Alwargi village to the gate of OGDC’s dehydration plant, which was attacked by some elements on Sunday last. On the occasion, speakers said that they were shocked by the attack on the plant, and resolved to make arrangements on self-help basis to ensure its security.

They said that the volunteers would patrol roads to keep an eye on suspected people and ensure security of the plant and activities of other oil and gas companies in the area. The elders said that for this purpose they would work in close coordination with security forces and  local administration.

The residents vowed to effectively check the elements disturbing peace in Karak district, where the oil and gas companies had been continuing their activities in full swing.

They also asked the OGDC high-ups to control activities of its central bargaining agent (CBA) in the area, claiming that there were some black sheep in its fold.

The speakers demanded of the companies to take practical steps for providing basic amenities to the residents. They said that they would regularly hold meetings with relevant stakeholders for peace in the exploration areas.