Monetary compensation: Financial aid announced for families of slain Levies personnel

Embargo ends, all benefits released for FR Peshawar.

PESHAWAR: The political administration of Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar ended its embargo on tribesmen and announced that a comprehensive aid package would be given to the families of 21 slain Levies men.

The embargo had been imposed under the collective responsibility clause of the Frontier Crime Regulation (FCR).  A jirga of the administration and tribal elders was held in Peshawar in this regard on Wednesday, which was presided by Deputy Commissioner Peshawar Javed Marwat.

Marwat apologised to tribal elders and announced the end of the embargo on the clans. He also announced the restoration of all financial benefits, including ‘lungi’, which is a token amount of a few thousand rupees but is considered an honour for any tribal chief that receives it.

“We have been assured that the clans would not be punished for militants’ activities,” said a tribal elder, requesting anonymity.

He said that all tribal elders will be provided protection and security by the political administration. He added that after receiving a formal apology, the elders of the region have decided to end their boycott on government jirgas.  A high-ranking official of the political administration confirmed that the boycott had been ended.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2013.