In the wake of the March 13 killing of an assistant political agent (APA), the North Waziristan Agency administration has ordered suspension of salaries of nearly 4,000 Khasadar and 900 Levies personnel under the collective responsibility clause of the Frontier Crimes Regulation.
APA of Mirali subdivision Azmat Jamal was killed during a Jirga when a man entered his office and hurled a hand grenade on him.
Under the collective responsibility act, the Utmanzai tribe is responsible for ensuring peace in the area.
However, local tribal elders while quoting the recent amendments in the FCR said the tribal authorities can no longer take action against a community under the collective responsibility clause.
“How can the political administration suspend salaries of the hundreds of employees of the health, education, irrigation and communication and works departments in the agency,” one of the elders asked.
When contacted, officials of the political administration refused to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, Utmanzai tribe in North Waziristan will stage a protest and hold a Jirga today (Wednesday) against shifting of the Fata Medical College from the area to Bajaur Agency.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2012.
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