Stranded: IDPs from Tirah blame government for neglect

One IDP says they were only given some biscuits and juice by an NGO, the government has not provided them any relief.

PESHAWAR:

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the troubled Tirah valley of Khyber Agency are becoming deeply critical of the government.

Muhammad Ibrahim is one of the IDPs who reached Peshawar along with 10 of his family members a couple of days ago. He said the war-torn valley wears a deserted look as tribesmen have left their homes and valuables behind.

Ibrahim said he reached Peshawar despite excessive transportation problems and is temporarily residing at a relative’s house in Swato Pattak while he continues to look for another accommodation.

Another IDP, Gul Amin Khan complained no government official has inquired about their hardships and that they were given some biscuits and juices by Al-Khidmat Foundation, a non-governmental organisation. “The government has not provided any food or relief,” he added.

Al-Khidmat Foundation’s IDP Coordinator Shah Jehan Afridi said they have registered around 80,000 families in three camps set up in Kurram Agency, Meshti area and on Kohat Road, Peshawar. Food items, including biscuits and clean drinking water, have been distributed among IDPs, he added.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority Spokesperson Adnan Khan claimed 250 families from Tirah have been temporarily registered at Jalozai camp and were provided tents, food and other essential items.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2013.