Upper Kurram: ‘New peace deal a ploy to protect Haqqanis’
YP says deployment of troops in Parachinar against human rights.
Youth of Parachinar (YP) have appreciated peace efforts in Kurram Agency but described the new peace deal in the besieged tribal area as an effort to give shelter to the Haqqani Network. In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the YP said they “want peace but not a drama in the name of peace deal ... Parachinar has been used for the last five years due to its strategic importance to Afghanistan.”
According to the proposed peace deal, security check posts will be established from Chapri Check Post in Lower Kurram to Upper Kurram.
However, the government has established dozens of check posts and deployed hundreds of security officials in Parachinar by neglecting other parts of Kurram, where militants are openly beheading innocent people, the statement read.
“Parachinar is free from Taliban and peace in Upper Kurram is exemplary. Under these circumstances, deployment of security forces in Parachinar is against human rights,” said the statement.
“If someone wants to bring the militants to Upper Kurram once again then the responsibility of any unwanted situation will be on the concerned authority,” it added.
They demanded the government to bring an end to their “step-motherly” treatment towards the people of Kurram and address their basic problems. They warned of holding a protest in front of General Headquarters Rawalpindi if their demands are not met.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2011.