WANA, June 2: Efforts to find a peaceful solution to the standoff over foreign militants in the South Waziristan tribal region received another setback as a jirga of tribal elders convened to discuss the situation failed to reach any decision.

Thousands of Ahmadzai Wazirs gathered at Azam Warsak on Tuesday to discuss the economic fallout of the current crisis that has been in place for the last five days and the government's demand from them to turnover foreign militants hiding in the region for registration.

But the jirga soon fell into disarray when some Ahmadzai tribesmen impressed upon the Yargulkhel sub-clan to lead a possible tribal action against foreign militants.

The demand on the Yargulkhels was made since five tribal militants, who are widely known to have been the main supporters and facilitators of foreign militants, belong to the same tribe.

The five militants won amnesty from the government on April 24, 2004, in return for a pledge to remain peaceful and not use Pakistani soil against any other country.

But the Yargulkhels countered the argument that since it was an issue that confronted the entire tribe, it alone could not be singled out to lead the way. "We are in it together, so we should go about it together," argued a Yargulkhel tribesman.

"We cannot reach any agreement," a frustrated Malik Ba' Khan, an elder of Kakakhel Ahmadzai Wazir tribe said. "The government will do what it deems fit. There will be no more jirgas," he announced.

Disappointed tribal elders later proceeded to Wana to meet Asmatullah Gandapur and discuss the situation with him. But the elders said the administrator had refused to see them. The economic blockade is taking its toll on the poor as prices of wheat flour and other essentials have gone up.

There were speculations of electricity suspension to further exert pressure on the Ahmadzai Waziri tribesmen. Meanwhile the authorities continued to round up Ahmadzai Wazir tribesmen, taking the total number of those picked up under the collective responsibility clause of the 1901 Frontier Crimes Regulation to 80.

The action against the tribe is continuing not only in the tribal area, but also in the settled districts of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank. Their commercial property has been sealed and over 50 vehicles impounded. The military is also consolidating its positions in and around Wana and Army soldiers were seen reinforcing their positions at Azam Warsak with more heavy weapons.

Social and political circles in Wana are angry over the economic blockade, saying that this extreme measure was hitting the poor. "This would further complicate the matter and create more resentment among the tribesman," said a tribal leader.