Tribal elders pressed to take security forces into confidence

Political administration, security forces hold two jirgas in Mohmand Agency

SHABQADAR: The political administration of Mohmand Agency and security forces held two jirgas with tribal elders on Wednesday to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation and maintain peace in the region.

The first jirga was held a resthouse in Michni area of Lower Mohmand.

Swat Scouts Commandant Colonel Naeemullah urged tribal elders to be vigilant of security threats to the area. He asked them to remain close contact with security forces and inform them about the presence of militants and their facilitators in the region.

According to Naeemullah, if the security forces and tribal elders do not maintain close contact, miscreant elements who want to sabotage peace in the area will succeed in spreading terror and uncertainty. The tribal elders from various sub-clans of the Tarakzai tribe vowed to cooperate with the political administration officials and security forces in eliminating militancy from the region.

Enhanced cooperation

A separate jirga was held at a resthouse in Ekka Ghund. A large number of tribespeople from Dawezai attended the jirga.

Officials urged tribespeople to cooperate with the security forces to eliminate militants who have orchestrated attacks in the agency.

They said militants had brought destruction in the region and the security forces are conducting search operations and imposed curfews in Dawezai. The officials insisted tribal elders should support security forces and inform them about militants and their facilitators.

Give peace a chance

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Lower Mohmand ssistant Political Agent Naveed Akbar, an official of the political administration, said these jirgas are an attempt to maintain peace in the area. “Peace has been restored after sacrifices rendered by the security forces, administration and tribespeople,” he said. “However, for the past few months, instability has once again re-emerged. Some elements want to sabotage peace in the region.”  According to Akbar, the political administration cannot tackle this situation without the support of tribespeople.

“These jirgas will help us gain the support of tribespeople,” he said.

“We are trying to strengthen the level of communication. The aim is to ensure tribespeople share information with us and the government machinery is active in eliminating terrorists.” Mohmand Agency has witnessed a spate of violence and militancy over the past few months.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2016.