Countering militancy: Tribesmen urged to join hands

JAMRUD: Khyber Rifles Commandant Tariq Hafiz on Monday urged the KukiKhel, Mullagori and Jhandakhel tribes of Jamrud tehsil to cooperate with security forces to establish lasting peace in the agency. He said Operation Khyber-I was well under way and anti-state elements would be dealt with an iron fist.  Addressing a Grand Jirga of the three tribes, he said all differences must be eliminated and people need to unite against the scourge of militancy. He added action had been taken against those providing protection or shelter to the militants. The commandant assured the tribesmen that their norms and customs would be taken into consideration while security forces operated in the area. He added khasadar and levies personnel would accompany the army’s soldiers. He also said tribesmen would be able to keep small arms with them in their vehicles. Hafiz said peace could not be established unless joint efforts were made.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2014.