NOWSHERA/KHAR, March 22 About 6,000 internally displaced families have refused to vacate Jalozai camp near Nowshera and go back to their hometowns in violence-ravaged Bajaur tribal region.

Authorities have asked the displaced persons to return to their homes claiming that peace has been restored in Bajaur Agency after ceasefire between the government and Taliban.

“The guns are now silent. Taliban have ended their activities and government's writ has been established there. The IDPs living in Jalozai and other relief camps are free to return to their hometowns,” Afghan Commissionerate officials said.

The family members of the displaced persons at Jalozai camp held a rally on the camp premises in protest against the government decision on Sunday.

A large number of IDPs participated in the procession. The agitators also presented a charter of demands to the authorities.

Sources said that IDPs also set March 25 as deadline for acceptance of their demands else they warned of mass protest campaign and blockade of main roads for indefinite period.

The representative of the affected families at Jalozai camp, Rahim Gul, told journalists that IDPs charter of demands included implementation of Nizam-i-Adl Regulation on the pattern of Sharia system in Swat, grant of Rs100,000 cash as assistance for each tent-holder, package for each killed and injured person and assurance of protection of life and property in Bajaur.

The IDPs said their family members were killed or injured, their houses and other properties were destroyed in bombing and shelling during the military operation in Bajaur.

They demanded compensation and funds for rehabilitation process. They said their businesses were ruined and their fields were turned barren during clashes between security forces and militants.

Meanwhile, the political agent of Bajaur tribal region, Shafeerullah Khan, has said the government is doing its level best to help the affected families in their rehabilitation process and ensure them financial assistance to help them stand on their own feet.

Talking to representatives of traders' organisation and elders during his visit to Inayat Kaley and surrounding areas on Sunday, the political agent said a survey was being conducted to make estimates regarding the losses in affected various areas of the region.

He was flanked by APA Mohammad Iqbal Khan Khattak, APA Mohammad Jamial Khan and other officials on the occasion.

He said that rehabilitation work would soon start after the completion of the survey within one week time. He said all those affected people whose houses and shops were damaged during the operation would be extended financial aid. He said the estimates would be sent to the federal government which would arrange funds for the reconstruction work on priority basis.

The representatives of the traders and civil society also demanded of the political agent the restoration of electricity, water and telephone supply on war footings.

The political agent assured them of prompt action about provision of basic facilities to the residents of the area. He hoped that business activities would soon be resumed in the region.