Little to rejoice: IDPs demand govt clear agencies of militants

PESHAWAR:

Displaced families from North Waziristan and Khyber agencies observed a ‘Black Day’ on August 14 and demanded their hometowns be cleared of militancy so they can return home.

North Waziristan’s displaced tribes gathered outside the Peshawar Press Club and demanded the government take immediate steps for their rehabilitation and repatriation.

If the government claims to have rid 80% of the area of militancy, why are IDPs not allowed to return home, asked the protesters. Discussing the issue of evacuating schools, the IDPs said they felt there was no other safe alternate lodging for them to relocate to.

“We are not free even in our free country,” said Ali Dawar. “Our houses have been destroyed and we have been displaced from our area.” He also demanded the government exempt displaced families living in Peshawar from paying electricity dues.

Meanwhile, families displaced from Khyber Agency protested at Bagh-e-Naran in Hayatabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th,2014.