Civilian casualties: Tribal jirga urges govt to cease airstrikes
Says they should be consulted so measures can be taken to sort out issues.
A file photo showing members of a local jirga. PHOTO: APP
MIRANSHAH:
A grand tribal jirga expressed concerns over the military operation in North Waziristan, which they say has killed many innocent people. The jirga, attended by elders of various tribes and ulema, was held in Mir Ali on Tuesday and was led by Haji Sher Muhammad Khan.
“The government needs to tell us what our mistake is, and we will address it through our tribal jirga,” said Sher Muhammad. “The solution to any problem requires sincerity. If the government only consults us, we will take any measures to sort out the issue.”
He added that residents of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas have rendered many sacrifices for the country and now they want peace in their homes. Sher Muhammad said they have also raised lashkars who patrol all night to protect government installations.
Another tribal elder, Malik Niaz Wali, said the unannounced operation is condemnable because innocent people, including children and women, have been killed.
“Our businesses have suffered after the recent bombing and shelling. Heavy losses have been inflicted on our people,” he said, adding there are displaced people living in tents everywhere. “The local administration needs to convene a tribal jirga to take a unanimous decision and implement it.”
Niaz said they had struck a peace deal with the government and also backed the talks process to end their plight. “We will be forced to migrate to Afghanistan otherwise, and the government will be responsible for any untoward situation that arises in the future,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2014.
A grand tribal jirga expressed concerns over the military operation in North Waziristan, which they say has killed many innocent people. The jirga, attended by elders of various tribes and ulema, was held in Mir Ali on Tuesday and was led by Haji Sher Muhammad Khan.
“The government needs to tell us what our mistake is, and we will address it through our tribal jirga,” said Sher Muhammad. “The solution to any problem requires sincerity. If the government only consults us, we will take any measures to sort out the issue.”
He added that residents of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas have rendered many sacrifices for the country and now they want peace in their homes. Sher Muhammad said they have also raised lashkars who patrol all night to protect government installations.
Another tribal elder, Malik Niaz Wali, said the unannounced operation is condemnable because innocent people, including children and women, have been killed.
“Our businesses have suffered after the recent bombing and shelling. Heavy losses have been inflicted on our people,” he said, adding there are displaced people living in tents everywhere. “The local administration needs to convene a tribal jirga to take a unanimous decision and implement it.”
Niaz said they had struck a peace deal with the government and also backed the talks process to end their plight. “We will be forced to migrate to Afghanistan otherwise, and the government will be responsible for any untoward situation that arises in the future,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2014.