Ongoing sweep: At least 36 people detained in joint operation in Charsadda

Mohmand elders say illegal mining carried out in tribal areas

SHABQADAR: In a joint search operation carried out in Shabqadar circle, 36 people were arrested, including seven Afghan nationals, 14 proclaimed offenders and 15 suspects. A large cache of ammunition was also seized on Wednesday.

Shabqadar Circle DSP Inam Jan told the media police and security force officials were conducting search operations in the regions which fall under the jurisdiction of Shabqadar, Sro Kali, Khwajawas and Battagram police stations. Jan said 14 kilogrammes of marijuana, four Kalashnikovs and seven pistols were confiscated during the raids.



The police and Frontier Constabulary have also increased security at Shabqadar Bazaar and surrounding areas. Checking at all entrance and exit points of the tehsil was also heightened, including the entrance from Mohmand Agency at Ekka Ghund and other
border areas.

Against illegal mining

At a press conference held in Ekka Ghund, tribal elders Malik Fauzi Khan, Malik Mukamil Khan and others from Dag Tamanzai in Pindyali tehsil, Mohmand Agency said illegal mining was being carried out in their tribal areas.

They accused Salman and Asal Khan, two outsiders, with the help of former administration officials, of obtaining an illegal lease and mining nephrite in lower Mohmand Agency. Tribal elders declared this unacceptable and appealed to the current administration to take notice.

They warned they would not be responsible for the consequences that may follow if the administration does not take action against illegal mining in their areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st,  2016.