First war, now animals pose threat to IDPs from South Waziristan Agency

Attacks have increased in recent times, especially from monkeys.

D I KHAN: Wild animals and pets are posing a major threat to the displaced population in Makeen and Sararogha tehsils of South Waziristan Agency where repatriation is under way.

Makeen and Sararogha are dotted with mountainous and forest terrain. They were vacated by the Mehsud tribe due to Operation Rah-e-Nijat in 2009. “Since we left home around eight years ago, large areas remained uninhabited,” Mir Badshah, a local, told The Express Tribune. “As a result, a large number of animals inhabited the region. Wild animals, especially monkeys, are attacking people.”

A few days ago, a woman was attacked by a bear in Murobi village and critically wounded. Earlier this month, a wild boar killed a man in Tiarza of South Waziristan Agency.

Wild animals, such as bears, leopards, pigs and monkeys, are ever-present in the mountainous areas with dense forest. There has also been a marked increase in domesticated animals and livestock in the region. A large number of pets were also left behind and their populations remained unchecked.

Mortal fear

Hamza Mehsud, a journalist, told The Express Tribune locals are living in mortal fear of these animals and attacks on tribespeople have increased in recent times.

“Tribal elders conveyed their concerns to the political administration and demanded steps be taken in this regard,” he said.

“The SWA political agent promised their concerns would be discussed with military officials and positive measures would be taken.”

Last month, Faisal Khan alias  Faisal Kai, was killed by a wild boar in South Waziristan Agency in Sthar Kalay, Tiarza tehsil, South Waziristan Agency.

Faisal was working in his fields when a wild pig attacked him from the rear. He was critically injured and was rushed to the hospital in Wana where he succumbed to his injuries. Locals said warfare in the mountains and the removal of natural habitat resulted in the migration of wild animals into populated areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 1^st, 2016.