Officials begin probe as sit-in against deadly Waziristan strike continues

K-P minister says ‘blood of innocent children will not go in vain’

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NORTH WAZIRISTAN:

A member of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet said that the district administration has started investigation into a mysterious strike on a house in Mir Ali tehsil that killed four children and triggered a protest by local tribesmen.

According to local sources, five people, including a woman, were also injured in the incident which was allegedly caused by ammunition drop by a quad-copter on a house in the Hormus village of Mir Ali. The ages of the deceased children ranged from eight years to just two months.

Locals rushed the injured to the Mir Ali tehsil hospital, where some of the injured are also said to be in critical condition. The incident has triggered a wave of anger and grief, with residents staging a sit-in protest at Mir Ali Chowk.

The demonstration has drawn tribal elders, youth, and children. Protesters are holding banners and placards bearing slogans such as “Let Us Live.”

Minister Nek Muhammad strongly condemned the incident in a statement issued on social media. “The blood of innocent children will not go in vain. This is a crime against humanity. We will raise our voice on every forum and make every effort to bring those responsible to justice,” he stated.

He added that the provincial government stands with the affected family and will provide all possible assistance. The minister has ordered an immediate investigation and requested a detailed report from the relevant departments.

As of now, there is no official word on the incident, though the district administration has initiated an inquiry, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation. Local tribal leaders have labeled the incident as a failure of governance, claiming that North Waziristan is once again being targeted.

They have demanded the formation of an impartial commission to thoroughly investigate the incident. The leaders have declared that the sit-in protest will continue until they are satisfied with the investigation.