Peace restoration efforts: Grand jirga formed to clear Khyber Agency of illegal weapons, foreign militants

Elders of Kukikhel tribe agree to register their light weapons with the political administration.

JAMRUD: For the restoration of peace in Khyber Agency, tribal elders have formed a grand tribal jirga comprising 72 members tasked with ridding the agency of illegal weapons and foreign militants.

Elders of the Kukikhel tribe held a jirga on Friday and agreed to register their light weapons with the political administration. They also promised to take action against foreigners living amongst them who want to sabotage law and order in their area.

The 72-member jirga will also highlight and raise the problems being faced by residents with the political administration as well as elected representatives.

Elder Malik Faizullah Jan while addressing the gathering said, “Our tribesmen are peaceful and will extend all-out support to the government in their endeavours for the restoration of peace and introduction of development projects.”

On the government’s appeal, the elders termed it mandatory for locals to register their weapons with the political administration.

The newly-formed jirga warned foreign elements to leave the region within one week. Moreover, locals were asked to provide assurances about anyone living in their houses on rent. “If any tenant is found to be involved in terrorist activities, the relevant house owner will be held responsible,” said elder Malik Ismail Torkhel.

Meanwhile, Malik Zarab Khan demanded the government immediately transfer the agency’s education officer Attiqur Rehman because of his alleged anti-education policies.

“The area’s youth are being forced to enrol in private schools instead of public schools due to the officer’s flawed policies,” said Khan. He warned of protests outside the FATA Secretariat and the Governor House if their demand was not met.

Furthermore, the jirga leaders invited Governor Mehtab Abbasi to visit Khyber Agency and play a role in the restoration of law and order in the militancy-affected area.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2014.