Still displaced: NWA IDPs demand reconstruction of homes

Say they have to spend winter in tents; ask to be repatriated

PESHAWAR: Displaced people from North Waziristan protested outside Peshawar Press Club on Monday, demanding that the government facilitate their safe repatriation and reconstruct homes in the tribal agency.

Tribal elders asked the government to fulfill their responsibility and construct their wrecked houses and places of business. They pointed out the military operation in their native area forced them to live in internally displaced persons’ camps for several months.

Unlike other demonstrations, this one was organised by tribespeople living in camps in settled areas. “We maintain the right to have our houses reconstructed on an emergency basis,” said Torwali Khan, a tribesman. “Even this winter, we have been forced to live in camps with our women and children.” He said those people who returned lacked facilities at home and their businesses had been badly affected.



Khalil Wazir, a tribal elder, said the government should pay attention to women and children who are rotting in tents and enduring adverse weather conditions.

“Forget about their [children’s] education, they are dying in the cold,” said Wazir. “We have nothing in our hands and can only protest. However, authorities never bothered responding to any of the demonstrations.”

He asked non-government organisations to pay more attention to their suffering as they had no expectations left from the official administration. Wazir asked them to provide shelter, medication and facilitate the reconstruction of their houses in North Waziristan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th,  2015.