K-P resorts to stringent measures to save Kurram deal

S-144 imposed in district, supply of aid suspended until security clearance

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PESHAWAR:

Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Sunday prohibited all public assemblies, meetings and display of firearms, and deferred the supply of essential commodities to the beleaguered Kurram district, a day after an attack on the convey of the top district official.

On Saturday, Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud was on his way to hold talks with a group of protestors in the Bagan Bazaar, when a group of over two dozen armed men opened fire on his convoy, injuring seven people, including Mehsud.

A day after the brazen ambush – seen as an attempt to sabotage a nascent peace deal between the warring tribes there – the authorities lodged a first information report (FIR) of the attack under terrorism charges against unknown assailants.

Meanwhile, the provincial government invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), prohibiting all public gatherings and display of arms. It also decided to defer the supply of aid to the troubled areas until security clearance, while also vowing to initiate a crackdown against miscreants.

Following the attack on the deputy commissioner, the government halted supply of essential commodities to the areas where dozens of people were killed last month in violence that sparked widespread protest sit-ins in the country, particularly its economic hub, Karachi.

On Sunday, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Peshawar registered an FIR against the alleged attackers. The FIR said a group of 25 to 30 terrorists attacked the convoy, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, including the deputy commissioner of Kurram, as well as police and FC personnel.

Charges of attempted murder and terrorism were included in the FIR, filed on behalf of the additional SHO of the CTD Police Station in Peshawar. According to sources, the police on Sunday also rounded up two of the suspects and later shifted them to an unknown location for interrogation.

The provincial government on Sunday imposed Section 144 in the district with immediate effect, prohibiting all types of gatherings, rallies, processions, and public display of weapons, according to a notification issued by K-P additional chief secretary.

The notification stated that unidentified elements were attempting to sabotage the peace agreement by carrying out terrorist attacks. "Under Section 144, all types of gatherings are now prohibited on the main highway from Teri to Chapri," it added.

The government has decided to take strict action against miscreants in a meeting in Kohat attended by some key officials including K-P inspector general police and chief secretary, according to a statement issued to the media on Sunday.

It stated that in case of further violations or non-cooperation regarding the handover of the culprits, the population in the affected area might be relocated temporarily to facilitate a clearance operation. Rewards would be announced for the capture of key offenders.

"Anyone found in possession of weapons will be considered a terrorist, and rewards will be announced for information leading to the capture of various fugitives," according to the statement. "Tribal elders who signed the Kurram peace agreement will be held accountable for its implementation."

"All perpetrators and facilitators of the January 4 attack will be named in the FIR, prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws, and included in Schedule IV, with arrests carried out as per legal procedures," the statement said.

"The signatories of the peace agreement have been instructed to hand over the attackers and their accomplices. Failure to comply will result in action, including the direct arrest of the culprits. Strict administrative measures will be implemented on the Thall-Parachinar Road and the Toraware-Shasho Road."

The statement warned that disciplinary action would be taken against government employees found supporting sectarian discord. "If law and order was not maintained, miscreants and those disrupting peace will be dealt with firmly."

It said the Kurram district police officer (DPO) would be provided with riot control equipment, resources, and a female police force as needed. The police would remove any illegal blockades or gatherings on the Tall-Parachinar Road.

To ensure the security of the Thall-Parachinar Road, an adequate police force would be deployed, and other law-enforcement agencies (LEAs), including the FC, would be stationed as required to support the police.

Meanwhile, the government temporarily halted sending convoys to Parachinar due to security concerns. Adviser to the K-P Chief Minister on Information Barrister Saif stated that the convoy would be dispatched soon after receiving clearance.

Saif said that peace would be ensured in Kurram at all costs as per the Grand Jirga agreement, and those disrupting peace would be dealt with firmly. He urged the people of Kurram to stay vigilant against peace-disrupting elements and cooperate with the government for lasting peace in the region.

"K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken serious notice of the incident and directed that those responsible be brought to justice," he said.

He said a high-level meeting chaired by Gandapur was held last night to discuss the Bagan incident. The chief minister termed the attack a failed attempt by peace-disrupting elements and asserted that those involved would be brought within the folds of law.

"Peace and order in Kurram will be restored in accordance with the agreement reached by the Grand Jirga," Barrister Saif added.

The provincial government on Sunday also replaced Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud, who was injured in the attack, by Muhammad Ashfaq, according to a notification issued by K-P Establishment Department.