Internally displaced: Mehsud IDPs from Wana await govt help
While travelling back to their areas, the tribesmen have had to go through extensive security clearances at check posts, in addition to being over charged by transporters.
The tribesmen were displaced from their areas of Lahda and Sarwakai sub-divisions during the military operation Rah-e-Nijat, which was launched in 2009 against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. After the offensive they moved to the Ahmadzai areas of the agency.
For the three and a half hour journey from Wana to DI Khan via the Gomal Zam Road, the IDPs had to pay up to Rs20,000, while the cost for the travel normally varies from Rs500 to Rs1,000.
Noor Muhammad Mehsud, 52, was displaced along with his family in Wana and came to DI Khan. “It was very cold during our journey and now my entire family is ill,” Noor said. “Right now I do not know whether I should take my children to the hospital or rent a house.”
I don’t know if Allah is punishing me for my sins, he said, adding “I seek God’s forgiveness to free us from the difficult situation my family is going through.”
Currently, there are no IDP or relief camps set up for displaced Mehsuds in Tank or DI Khan. IDP families have to find accommodation on their own.
Zenath Shah, 60, also displaced from Wana tells a similar story. “I am searching to find shelter and am temporarily housing my family with another Mehsud man who was my neighbour in South Waziristan.”
Shah complained about the sky-rocketing rent in DI Khan and said he cannot afford it. Rents can range up to Rs15,000.
“The exact number of Mehsud IDPs from Wana remains unknown and their registration will begin from January 2 to January 11,” said Sayed Umar, who is the South Waziristan coordinator for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas’ Disaster Management Authority.
Two registration centres, one in the political compound in Tank, and the other in Ratha Kulachi Stadium in DI Khan will be set up for the displaced families, Umar said.
“Those IDP families will be registered who have a permanent and temporary address of South Waziristan. Those who have a South Waziristan address, in addition to a settled area address will not be registered,” Umar said.
Mehsud IDPs currently in Tank or DI Khan who have not been registered will get an opportunity to register from January 2, Umar added.
In addition to Tank and DI Khan, most Mehsud IDPs are residing in Zhob district of Balochistan and parts of North Waziristan.
Following the attempt on Taliban commander Mullah Nazir’s life on November 28, IDPs residing in the Shakai area of Wana were given a December 5 deadline. While Nazir escaped unhurt, a combined jirga of the Ahmedzai Wazir and Nazir’s Taliban faction decided to expel the IDPs.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2012.
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Pashtunistan is the only way out.