Successful negotiation: Locals present demands to security forces at jirga in Kalam tehsil

Earlier protests were held over alleged harassment by police, security forces

MINGORA: A jirga was held in Kalam tehsil after hundreds of disgruntled protesters took to the streets on Wednesday to raise their voices against  the police and security forces.

Jirga members presented their demands to security forces. They demanded the release of people who had been into custody.

The members, which included tehsil nazims and MPAs, said security officials should not enter people’s homes for purposes of inspection without their permission.Moreover, they insisted women should not be inspected. The demands were accepted.

Earlier, demonstrators shouted slogans against law-enforcement agencies and mourned the death of a resident identified as Shahzada Khan, who drowned himself in Swat River due to alleged harassment by law- enforcement agencies on Wednesday.

The demonstrators had placed his  body on the side of the road as a show of protest.



Kalam Bazaar President Rahat Khan had told the media on Thursday afternoon that they were on their way to meet security forces. “Shahzada Khan, a resident of Kalam, was fed up with the ruthless behaviour of both the police and security forces,” Rahat said.

He added Shahzada Khan spent two days in police custody and was later summoned by security forces.

Rahat Khan informed the media Shahzada was accompanied by elders of the area and they were going to meet security forces. However, Shahzada suddenly jumped into the Swat River and ended his life.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2016.