Locals ordered to guard villages at night

Anybody in Swat who fails to act upon order will be considered a Talib and strict action will be taken against them.

SWAT: Security forces have pasted hand-written posters and pamphlets on to the walls in different areas of Kabal tehsil ordering at least one person from each house to perform the duty of guarding their local villages from 8 pm till Fajr prayers, and anybody who fails to act upon the order will be considered as a Talib and strict action will be taken against them.

It has also been said in the posters that local people will be held responsible if any mishap occurs during the night.

“Security forces will take serious and strict action against the concerned community guards in this regard,” it says.

Local people have also been directed that everyone must display their security pass when stepping out of their homes.

The new notice by security forces has left some locals in tension, especially those who are the only male members of their house. Those who work during the day to earn a livelihood for their family are in a difficult position as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2010.