SHANGLA: The residents of Titwalan area in Martung tehsil staged a peaceful protest against militancy and attacks on MPA Faisal Zeb’s house and demanded of the security agencies to ensure peace and the rule of law in the area.

The local elders had given the call for rally, which was attended by people of nearby villages as well. The participants carried white flags and shouted slogan for peace.

Elder Maulana Taj Mukhtar told protesters that the residents won’t allow attempts to disturb peace in the area and would resist militants. He said the attack on the house of MPA Faisal Zeb was an attack on the entire village.

Elder Jehan Chargharzai said attacks on the MPA’s house had caused unrest in the area like the 2007-11 troubled times, but this time around, the residents won’t let anyone sabotage the region’s peace.

“We want security agencies to play their due role for peace. They should eliminate militants and other troublemakers and ensure protection of public life and property that is the responsibility of the state,” he said.

ANP president for Martung tehsil Wazir Alam wondered why Pakhtuns had always been targeted in the name of terrorism.

“We want sustainable peace in our area, so the state should act immediately to meet our demand otherwise we will take up arms for own defence,” he said.

The ANP leader criticised the government for not ‘condemning’ the attack on MPA Faisal Zeb’s house and said the act raised questions about the government’s role for peace.

He warned that the people would take to the roads against the government on the matter.

Also, a rally was staged in Danakol area on Friday against attacks on the MPA’s house. The participants demanded protection of people and their elected members and elimination of militancy from the region.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2022