TIMERGARAH (Lower Dir), April 14: A jirga in the remote Nehag Dara area of Upper Dir has barred registration of honour-related murder cases on the pretext that these acts were related to local culture.

The jirga of elders and notables of Nehag Dara, which met on Wednesday, vowed to uphold the prevalent customs and traditions at all cost.

The participants said that honour killings were deeply rooted in their culture. Prominent among the participants were Malik Faiz Muhammad, Haji Noushad, Haji Abdur Rehman, Malik Muhammad Khan and others.

The jirga decided no one from the area would register an FIR in honour-related murder cases. It also decided to take stringent action against those who violated the decision.

The jirga also took note of misuse of the custom to acquire property of other persons or due to monetary disputes and decided that action would be taken against those misusing the concept of honour crimes. The jirga decided to expel from the area elements, which misused the custom or were found involved in kidnapping for ransom.

The participants warned all criminals to leave the area or face consequences. Through a resolution, the disappearance of a person, Sher Bahadur, five months ago was condemned and the government was asked to ensure his recovery.