Collective responsibility: Khyber’s political administration releases 16 tribesmen

Six members of banned outfit nabbed in Tedi Bazaar of Jamrud.

JAMRUD:

The political administration of Khyber Agency has released 16 out of the 19 people detained under the collective responsibility clause of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) following a jirga with tribal elders.

A delegation of elders led by Wahid Afridi called on Jamrud assistant political agent (APA) Roshan Mehsud on Wednesday in order to negotiate the release of 19 tribesmen arrested earlier. As a result, 16 people were released while three were not set free for reasons unknown.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Qari Jihad Shah Afridi said the law that enables such arrests is draconian and discriminatory, adding that the current scenario is such that one cannot take responsibility of the acts of one’s own family. “How can one be held responsible for the acts of one’s tribesmen?”

He urged the government to transfer APA Mehsud from the area, alleging he uses regulations to oppress the people. Afridi threatened to protest if the demand was not met.

Hashish recovered

Khasadar officials nabbed six members of the outlawed Tauheedul Islam (TuI) near Tedi Bazaar and recovered 25 kilogrammes of hashish from their vehicle on Wednesday.

Political administration official Irshad Khan said Shahid and Sajid were run over by a speeding vehicle in Tedi Bazaar.

Khasadar officials present nearby chased the vehicle and arrested the passengers onboard, impounding the vehicle and seizing the hashish. Further investigation is under way.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2014.