RAWALPINDI, June 17: Kidnapping for ransom has become a nightmare for residents of the volatile Kurram Agency, forcing many of the tribal families to leave their native towns and seek accommodation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
After re-opening of Thall-Parachinar Road recently – which remained blocked since 2009 as armed militants had occupied this lone route to the restive area – the residents are now faced with the menace of kidnapping for ransom by militants.
According to MNA Sajid Hussain Turi, so far 50 people of Turi tribe were kidnapped by militants, while over Rs80 million had been paid by the victim families in ransom for securing release of their relatives.
“The militants kidnap young and earning members in order to bargain for hefty ransom. There are families whose members have been kidnapped twice within a span of eight months,” the lawmaker said.
Waqar Ali, son of Hameed Hassan and resident of Parachinar city, got released after paying Rs1.3 million to militants and three days after his release, his family was attacked when he registered a complaint with political agent of his area.
“In 2009 my uncle was shot dead by unknown people and now we are left with no option but to shift to Rawalpindi. Even Peshawar is not safe for living and we are constantly under threat,” Mr Waqar, 25, told Dawn after shifting to his new house in Rawalpindi.
The B-block of Satellite Town has become a mini-Parachinar as most of the houses have been hired by residents of tribal areas in a bid to live a peaceful life though fear still haunts them.
“I have shifted my business here though I was earning much better in Parachinar. The only reason I shifted my family is to avoid being kidnapped or killed in my hometown,” said Shahid Turi, 59, who runs a computer shop in Rawalpindi Saddar.
According to the MNA, kidnapping for ransom had become a profitable business for militants. He said that he had also discussed the issue with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and interior minister Rehman Malik.
“The government must compensate the families who have paid their hard earned money in ransom. We will not tolerate any further untoward incident and stage sit-in outside Parliament House,” the lawmaker said.