Timeframe for relocation: IDPs to be repatriated to Kurram, Orakzai by April

Governor directs officials to ensure dignified resettlement

PESHAWAR:

Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said the repatriation of the displaced population from Kurram and Orakzai agencies would be completed in April. He added all internally displaced persons (IDP) would be sent back home by the end of the year.

This was stated in a handout issued on Wednesday. According to the document, Jhagra was chairing a high-level meeting of the FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) at Governor House to review the repatriation of IDPs to their native areas in the tribal belt.

Jhagra said tribespeople had rendered sacrifices for peace and stability in the country. “Their sacrifices will be remembered with dignity,” the handout quoted the governor as saying.



According to Jhagra, the dignified repatriation of all displaced families is the “top priority of the government”.

Homecoming

Jhagra was also given a detailed briefing by the FDMA DG regarding the repatriation of IDPs and the security situation in Fata.

During the briefing, he was informed the repatriation had already commenced and was taking place in a smooth and effective manner.

“The governor directed relevant officials to use all available resources [towards helping IDPs],” stated the handout. “[They must work towards their] rehabilitation and expeditious resettlement. He said no compromise will be tolerated in this regard.”

As per the handout, the governor was informed 285,400 displaced families have already been repatriated to respective agencies.

“At least, 114,411 families were sent to their homes in 2015,” read the document.

Bouncing back

At the meeting, Jhagra was told about the steps taken to ensure IDPs have enough resources at hand to rebuild their lives. The FDMA DG said returning families have been provided funds.

“Every IDP family will receive Rs25,000 under a relief package,” he said. “They will receive Rs10,000 to cover their travel allowance and also receive food security for six months.”

Priority basis

According to the governor, steps had been taken to ensure reconstruction and development in the tribal belt to ensure families who have been repatriated can live in the region.

“The time has come to take concrete measures for the well-being of tribespeople and to redress their grievances on priority,” the handout quoted him as saying. “The government knows the problems faced by tribespeople. Efforts are being made to develop the entire region to bring Fata’s tribespeople into the mainstream.”

Jhagra reiterated the commitment of the federal government to fight terrorism and ensure the rehabilitation of IDPs. “The tribespeople and security forces have rendered sacrifices to ensure peace and stability,” the document quoted Jhagra as saying. “Their sacrifices in the war against terrorism are particularly valuable and will always be remembered.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2016.