Target killings: Door-to-door search follows curfew in Mingora

Swat police data reveals 20 defence committee members, five policemen, 15 civilians killed since January.

MINGORA: A search operation was launched after a curfew was imposed in various areas of Mingora by security forces on Friday. Security has been beefed up in the city after incidents of target killings increased. Swat police data reveals at least 20 defence committee members, five police officials and 15 civilians have been killed between January and September this year.

The operation started early morning in Usmanabad, Yousafabad, Naway Kalay and Latifabad. Locals learnt about the door-to-door operation moments before it started, through announcements made in mosques.

According to businessmen, the unannounced curfew created many problems and caused them losses in revenue. Some milk shop owners said the surprise curfew cost them plenty.

“We prepared our goods before closing shop at night but were not allowed to open our establishments due to the curfew; this caused us heavy financial losses,” said a bakery owner.

“We were not allowed to pray in the mosque while all government and private schools remained closed,” said Afzal Khan, a resident of Naway Kalay. “Government officials were also not permitted to travel to their offices.”

Swat Inter-Service Public Relations spokesman Colonel Aqeel Malik said the search operation is being carried out to nab “certain elements”. The operation will continue until they are nabbed, said the spokesman.

Meanwhile, curfew has been lifted from Bara Bandai, Koza Bandai, Ningolai and the suburbs after three days while curfew remains in force in Kanju Township for the fourth day.

A spate of target killings left three members of a village defence committee dead on September 15 in Kabal tehsil.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2014.