Bajaur rises up against ‘terror redux’

Calls on govt to take action against militancy

BAJAUR:

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets against increasing lawlessness, targeted attacks, extortion and terrorism in Bajaur tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Thursday.

Protest demonstrations and rallies were observed across the district in which thousands participated on the call of Bajaur Peace Committee.

The main protest took place in Khar which was attended by local elders, political workers, rights activists and civil society. The participants chanted slogans and demanded strict action against the terrorists.

Members of National Assembly, provincial assembly and political and tribal leaders addressed the participants.

“We will not tolerate the return of terrorists in Bajaur as the area could not afford bloodshed anymore,” they said, adding that it is the responsibility of the provincial government to maintain law and order in the province, including tribal districts.

They noted that the law and order situation was not good and state institutions should play their role to solve the issue on priority as militancy and insurgency are unacceptable to them.

“In the past people suffered greatly because of these terrorist groups operating on our soil. These groups have staged a comeback which is not acceptable,” they maintained.

It may be mentioned here that large protests were held in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts on the 1st of this month with identical demands under the banner of local peace committees.