Khyber Agency: Bara curfew challenged in high court

PESHAWAR:

The military operation in Bara, which started in 2008, was challenged in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday.

The petition was filed by Bazar Gul Afridi, who belongs to Bara but is currently residing in Wadpaga.

Afridi said a curfew was imposed in 2009 during the military operation, but has not been lifted since. He added many tribesmen have been forced to migrate to safer places while their houses and belongings have been destroyed.



Since then, many innocent people have lost their lives and several have been abducted for alleged involvement in anti-state activities without even being given a trial, he alleged. Afridi claimed the military’s presence was “the root cause of the area’s deterioration.” Peace has not been restored in the region, despite several operations.

“This is creating hatred among the people for the most prestigious institution of the country, the army,” he said.

Afridi requested the court to lift the curfew saying people have been confined to their houses for years. He also demanded compensation for the victims and rehabilitation for internally displaced people.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2013.