Security dynamic: VDC, police join hands against anti-state elements

Locals should be allowed to carry guns, says Reconciliation Committee chairperson

MINGORA:  

Members of village defence committees (VDC) will work closely with the Mingora police to tighten security against the anti-state elements.

This was decided at a meeting held at Mingora police station on Sunday.

The meeting was convened by the DSP following a targeted attack on a VDC member and a police official in Bara Banda in Matta tehsil earlier this month. The meeting was attended by residents and local government representatives.

Addressing participants at the moot, Swat DSP Habibullah said collaboration and coordination between the police department and VDC members was indispensable to ensure sustainable peace in the region.

“VDC members, elected councillors and locals have rendered sacrifices to maintain peace,” he said. “VDC members also have an important role to play as  they do not receive any monetary compensation for their efforts.”



According to Habibullah, over 50 VDC members have fallen victim to militants and anti-state elements recently.

“However, they have not given up their fight against militancy,” he added.

As per the DSP, the public in Swat is reluctant to share information with the police as there is a lack of trust.

“The police must fulfil their responsibility and serve the public to win their hearts,” he added.

Safety precautions

Reconciliation Committee Chairperson Haji Rasool Khan has said the people of Swat are brave and would never succumb to pressure imposed by militants.

Speaking at a news conference in Mingora on Sunday, he said tribespeople and traders should be allowed to carry weapons to protect their lives.

Rewind

On May 23, a VDC member and a policeman were killed in an ambush by unidentified men in Bara Banda area in Matta tehsil.

According to SHO Rahim Khan, assailants opened fire on VDC member Muhammad Khan and two of his guards, Bakht Baidar and Bilal.

Muhammad Khan died on the spot while both of his security guards were injured.

Baidar succumbed to his wounds at the hospital while Bilal was in critical condition.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2016.