Protest over target killings in tribal areas end after negotiations

Army will patrol areas, security would be increased at entry and exit points

MIRANSHAH: The Jirga protesting target killings in North Waziristan ended their five-day-long protest after successful negotiations with the political administration and the Pakistan Army.

A notification issued by the political administration outlined that every village will have political administration officers and the Army will patrol the areas while security at entry and exit points will be increased. The areas will also be monitored by vigilance parties and members of the Khasadar force will be given ammunition.

The protest came in the wake of recent rise in target killings in the tribal areas. At least two tribesmen were killed in separate incidents on May 12.

The protesters pointed out that they had handed over all weapons and ammunition to the security forces during Operation Zarb-e-Azb. “Steps leading towards disruption of peace will be discouraged,” one protest organiser said. “We want an end to the environment of fear in the area.”