Locked in: Curfew imposed in Badabher

Officials said the curfew would be imposed from 8pm till morning and villagers were asked not to allow anyone to enter their homes after dark.

“Some armed people, posing as security forces personnel, entered a house in Suleman Khel, forced people out and stole their mobiles and cash,” said a local. He added residents approached security forces the next morning and they denied any such operation.

“As a security measure, they imposed a night curfew to be enforced with the help of local police and announced anyone wandering the streets after 8pm will be arrested,” he added.

An officer from the local police station said some criminals and robbers were taking advantage of the situation and forcibly entered a local hujra and robbed it. It was then decided to take strict action.

“It is to protect the lives and property of locals against anti-social elements,” he explained. The policeman said militancy used to be a mainstay of the area, but has largely been eradicated due to the deployment of security forces such as the Frontier Constabulary.