Arsonists torch school near Kalam

This is the second attack on an educational institution in upper Swat in less than four days.

SWAT: Unidentified arsonists torched a primary school on Tuesday in Peshmal, 15 kilometres away from Kalam, in the second attack on an educational institution in upper Swat in less than four days.

On Friday, a primary school for girls was blown up by unidentified militants in Kalam Valley. The attacks have left the region more vulnerable following devastating floods that swept away infrastructure and bridges connecting upper and lower Swat and marooned hundreds of residents.

Since area can be reached via Dir on a dirt trek, security forces have warned of the threat of militants entering Swat from Dir.

A spokesman for the Swat Qomi Jirga, Ziauddin Yousaf Zai, told The Express Tribune, “We strongly condemn the destroying of schools in Swat Valley. The new wave of destruction of schools in Swat is a question mark for the people of Swat, local administration and security forces.”

He appealed to the army to help curb militancy in the area and provide security. “The demolished schools still lay scattered and deserted. The army should provide security to the remaining schools.”

People of Swat have expressed doubts about the attacks, saying that in a time of such large-scale devastation, it is difficult to comprehend the sudden outbreak of terrorism -- particularly in those areas where militancy had not gained a foothold.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 8^th, 2010.