Fighting back: Jirga emphasises importance of maintaining peace

Tribesmen encourage a return to traditional system of justice in Mohmand Agency.

GHALLANAI:

Safi and Nawagai peace committee, leaders held a jirga in Shawa Lakkaro tehsil on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Nawagai peace committee elder Maulvi Guldad Khan said peace had been restored in the agency. He added no one will be allowed to negatively affect the law and order situation. “It is up to residents to be aware of the situation and keep a lookout for suspicious activity,” said Guldad, adding peace committees would continue to support security forces.

Safi peace committee leader Subidar, on the other hand, claimed acts of militancy had been curbed in the region and the area was more peaceful as compared to other parts of the province. Subidar, too, mentioned it was important for residents to stay alert, adding terrorism could not have been stopped without their help. “All disputes will now be decided through local jirgas and there will be no injustice done to anyone,” said Subidar, while explaining the jirga system would be used to ensure justice was provided to all. The peace committee leader encouraged locals to strengthen the jirga system. He also urged residents who had left the agency due to security reasons to return as the situation was more tranquil.

Subidar claimed the government would help repatriate displaced persons and rebuild the infrastructure that had been destroyed as a result of military operations. Like Guldad, Subidar also announced support for the region’s local administration and security forces posted in the area.

“A Grand Jirga of the Mohmand tribe will be held soon,” informed Subidar. “Additionally, an alliance responsible for maintaining peace and guarding government installations will be formed.”

Mohmand Agency is among the tribal areas which were badly affected by militancy. In 2011, the Pakistan Army launched operation Brikhna in Mohmand. Peace committees have been working since then to restore order and tribal traditions in the agency. There are about 10 peace committees in the agency, each of which has its own head and volunteers.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2013.