Countering militancy: Waziristan jirga members pledge to restore peace

Elders dispel reports of a military operation, say disputes caused over misunderstanding.

MIRANSHAH: Tribal elders and ulema of the Grand Waziristan Peace Jirga have said that a peace agreement has existed in the agency for the last few years and is being followed by all stakeholders in letter and spirit.

These views were expressed by Maulvi Gul Ramzan at a news conference at the Miranshah Press Club on Thursday.

He said that jirga members are in contact with the agency administration and a dispute that took place between militants and security forces on Sunday will be resolved soon.

Malik Mamoor Khan, chief of the Tori Khel tribe, dispelled the notion that there were plans to launch a military operation in North Waziristan. He lamented that such reports were aimed at creating fear among the people.

Malik Qadir Khan appealed to the local tribesmen not to heed such reports and show restraint in order to restore durable peace.

Responding to a query, the tribal elders said that the clashes that had occurred few days ago were the result of a misunderstanding. They said they were trying their best to settle all disputes in the region under the peace deal.

Other jirga members pledged that they will remain steadfast and render any sacrifice for restoration of normalcy.