Bajaur agency: Tribesmen terminate poppy cultivation

KHAR: Tribal elders of Bajaur Agency have decided to refrain from cultivating poppy this year. The decision was made by a jirga in Khar, the headquarters of the agency, on Wednesday. The jirga was attended by Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah along with tribal elders of Barang teshil. Tribal elder Malik Bhadur Shah, hailing from Barang tehsil, said if any tribesman was found guilty of cultivating poppy, he would be fined Rs2 million and banished from the area. Malik also assured the government of the locals support to fight militancy. Shah said they have also decided not to provide shelter to anti-state elements in their areas. The same penalty would be imposed on any tribesman violating the decision.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2012.