Mohmand tribesmen urged to strengthen ‘Chaukidari system’

Jirga vows to support govt efforts against militants

SHABQADAR: In the wake of recent terror attacks in the Ambar Tehsil of Mohmand Agency, the political administration has urged tribesmen to strengthen their ‘chaukidari system’ (vigilance or community policing system) in their respective areas and back government initiatives for restoring peace.

In this regards, a tribal jirga, comprising of tribal elders from the Ambar Tehsil, was held in the sub-divisional headquarter of Ekka Ghund on Thursday.

Lower Mohmand Assistant Political Agent Naveed Akbar stressed the need for tribal leaders to stay vigilant and to instantly report any suspicious or malicious activity to the political administration.

He urged tribesmen not to allow any militant to take refuge in their respective areas while urging them to bolster vigilance systems in their areas.

“Under the Collective Responsibility clause of the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR), tribesmen were responsible for protecting their lands,” Akbar recounted.

“In case of failure, the government will have no other option left but to take legal action against the tribesmen,” he added.

Highlighting the role of tribesmen in establishing peace, Akbar said that the political administration and security forces cannot establish peace on their own. Thus, it is tribesmen responsibility to keep an eye on the militants and inform authorities about their presence.

Tribal elders including Malik Shahab Khan and Malik Ezat Khan, assured the political administration of their support, just like in the past. They added that tribal leaders had raised a local militia which fought militants alongside the armed forces.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2017.