WANA: Army and paramilitary forces entered Wana town, the administrative headquarters of South Waziristan Agency, after clashes between suspected militants and members of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe here on Sunday.

Officials said that two people were killed and 12 others, including tribal people, wounded in the exchange of fire. Arif Wazir, cousin of the leader of Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement, and journalist Noor Ali Khan were also among the injured.

Officials said that the bodies and the wounded persons had been shifted to the agency headquarters hospital in Wana. Enraged tribesmen set on fire two offices used by the 'militants' in the town.

Residents said that the fleeing 'militants' had left behind their pick-up trucks in the main bazaar. Paramilitary forces were patrolling the town till late in the night amid sporadic firing.

Trouble gripped the town when the 'militants' snatched caps — the multi-coloured caps that became the trademark of the PTM supporters — in the main bazaar to humiliate them. The 'militants' also scuffled with the PTM activists and burnt their caps. Several militant outfits have offices in the Wana bazaar.

Earlier, the 'militants' encircled the market and shops of Ali Wazir in the main bazaar that resulted in clashes. Witnesses said that 'militants' resorted to firing and the PTM workers hurled stones at the armed men.

Following clashes, hundreds of armed members of the Ahmad Wazir tribe rushed to the town to support fellow tribesmen. A heavy exchange of fire took place and the 'militants' were forced to flee the town.

Officials said that two people, whose names could not be ascertained, were killed while two others received injuries. The critically wounded people were shifted to Dera Ismail Khan. Hospital authorities are trying to ascertain facts.

When the situation went out of control, the civil administration called out security forces. Army and paramilitary troops took control of the town.

Meanwhile, tribesmen continued their protest in Mirali town of North Waziristan Agency for the second consecutive day on Sunday.

They have been protesting against the targeted killing of Political Moharar Hamidullah. He was killed near Miramshah on Friday night.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2018