Peace talks: Nepkikhel Qaumi Jirga demands stake

Nepkikhel Qaumi Jirga says government take them into confidence before initiating peace talks with Taliban.

MINGORA:

The Nepkikhel Qaumi Jirga demanded on Sunday the government take them into confidence before initiating peace talks with the Taliban and said the talks otherwise would betray the blood of all martyrs of peace.

This was stated by spokesman of the Nepkikhel tribe Feroz Shah Khan while talking to local journalists at Damghar village. “It is strange to bypass the sacrifices of our martyrs by starting peace talks.” He said they had fought for their land with bravery, adding the government must address their concerns before initiating any peace talks as they have a stake in the system as well.

The Nepkikhel peace militia, based in Kabal tehsil of Swat, is an alliance of locals from all walks of life whose sole aim is to protect their area from extremist forces, according to its spokesman. Formed in 2009 after militants were driven out of Swat and peace was restored in the area, the militia has taken part in security duties alongside army personnel.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2014.