After 10 years: Repatriation of over 200 families begins

IDPs appeal govt to assist them financially

HANGU: After a gap of 10 years, the repatriation of over 200 unregistered displaced families belonging to three tribes from Lower Orakzai Agency began on Thursday.

Lower Orakzai Agency Assistant Political Agent Azizullah Jan told The Express Tribune the repatriation of IDPs from Feroz Khel, Utman Khel and Stoori Khel tribes, who were settled in Hangu, has started. “An entry point has been set up in Chaman Janna area of the agency,” he added.

According to Jan, the process of registration will take place under the supervision of Orakzai Scouts and the political administration.

The APA added health facilities and food items have been arranged for the returning displaced families.

Meanwhile, the returning families expressed joy and contentment over their return after a hiatus of 10 years.

However, they voiced concern over the lack of basic facilities.

Many of them said they will have to live under the open sky as their houses have been destroyed in the military operation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2016.