KHYBER: Zakhakhel and Shinwari tribesmen ended protest on Wednesday after the administration promised registration of FIR over Tuesday blast in Landi Kotal and payment of adequate compensation to families of the victims.

Tribesmen blocked the road leading to the Torkham border in Charwazgai area over the killing of four children and a woman in the explosion of an abandoned mortar shell inside their house.

Addressing protesters, Shah Hussain Shinwari, the Awami National Party president for Khyber, said it was not an accidental blast as the mortar shell was left undetonated by the security personnel in the nearby detonation place and was later mistakenly picked up by children.

He demanded an assurance from the authorities to immediately halt defusing of unexploded devices at its present venue and pay compensation to the bereaved family under the Shuhada Package.

The deputy commissioner, district police officer and the commandant Khyber Rifles held talks with protesters and announced registration of FIR over blast and payment of ‘adequate’ compensation to the victims’ families.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2021