Security concerns: Travel disrupted by Hangu-Kohat Road closure

Hangu DPO says decision was taken after a blast in Kohat claimed 13 lives.

HANGU:

Citing security concerns, the district administration of Hangu and police cordoned off Hangu-Kohat Road on Monday. This left hundreds of travellers from the district and Kurram and Orakzai agencies stranded.

Hangu DPO Iftikhar Ahmad told journalists the decision was taken after the bomb blast in Usterzai, Kohat on Sunday, which claimed 13 lives and injured 14.

According to the DPO, traffic has been rerouted to an alternate road which passes through Karak. “The route is longer and the roads are dilapidated, but it is a safe and secure path for passengers,” explained Ahmad.

The police official could not comment on when Hangu-Kohat Road will be reopened.

The affected residents of both agencies and Hangu complained the route through Karak is longer and uncomfortable. They demanded the district administration adopt strict security measures and reopen the main road.

Faqir Ilahi, a resident of Hangu city, shared he was on his way to a hospital in Peshawar and the road closure had caused him great inconvenience. “I have been stuck in traffic for hours,” he complained, “The government should come up with a better plan for security than closing down roads.

Two houses blown up

Two houses were destroyed when improvised explosive devices (IED) planted by unidentified militants blew up in two separate incidents in the district.

Thal police official Farid Khan said a house in Custom Abadi owned by Haji Raqeem was partially destroyed when an IED planted along its boundary wall exploded early morning.

“It was a remote-controlled device and the explosion partially damaged the boundary wall and main gate,” said Khan.

He added no loss of life was reported as Raqeem’s family was asleep in a room which was at a considerable distance from the site of the blast.

Meanwhile, unidentified militants planted a bomb outside Sultan Khan’s house in the  Bypass Road area and detonated it via a remote. According to police official Azmat Bangash, Sultan belongs to Ali Khel tribe of Orakzai Agency. The police speculated Sultan was associated with anti-militant committees in his area which is why he was targeted.

Police has filed separate cases of the incidents.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2014.