Search operation: Curfew imposed in FR Peshawar amid fresh raids

Locals say they offer no resistance and have nothing to do with militancy.

PESHAWAR:

A partial curfew was imposed in parts of Frontier Region (FR) Peshawar on Saturday morning as security forces launched yet another search operation in Kandao Asho Khel area, Deputy Commissioner Javed Marwat told The Express Tribune.

“In the past, we have made strategic strikes in Bora and Pastawana areas of the FR too, but this operation is being carried out in Bashi Khel and Sambi Khel areas following intelligence reports indicating the presence of suspected miscreants,” he said.

Marwat, however, added that the exact number of people arrested and houses demolished during the raids is not clear as the operation is still going on.

“We cannot take strict action [as we want] to avoid civilian casualties. FR Peshawar is linked to Darra Adam Khel, which is also home to local militants,” he said, adding that authorities were trying to block the routes frequented by suspected militants to avoid infiltration of others in the event of an operation in the area.



The curfew was imposed in some settled areas to keep the routes safe for security forces returning from the operation. Main roads and markets at Captain Tor Khan, Kandao, Hameed Khan and Passani villages remained shut for around three hours.

Locals said large contingents of security forces entered the Kandao Asho Khel area at around 10:00am. They said it is the third operation of its kind since December 2012 after Taliban militants abducted 23 levies personnel and killed 21 of them in Hasan Khel.

“They have imposed a curfew in the area and are engaged in a door-to-door search operation,” said a local elder requesting anonymity. He added that the government was using force against the people despite the fact that they had nothing to do with militancy.

“A militant would not give up that easily and fight till the last bullet. But in the last three operations, the locals put up no resistance at all,” said the elder, adding that 38 people arrested in earlier operations were still in the custody of security forces.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2013.