All geared up: PDMA ready to assist residents of Buner in case of operation
Govt, army ask residents to support fight against militancy.
PDMA has decided to assist the displaced person in settling down. PHOTO: REUTERS
PESHAWAR:
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has made preparations to provide relief to residents of Shamnal in Chagharzai area of Buner in the event of a military operation in the area.
According to an insider, between five to six million rupees have been given to the DC to meet the needs of families who are likely to be displaced by a military offensive in the area. “We have taken the necessary precautions and hope the situation does not spiral out of control,” he said.
Meanwhile, government and army personnel held a meeting on Saturday with residents and representatives from NGOs to discuss rehabilitation strategies.
Speaking on the occasion, Buner DC Khaista Rahman informed residents about the presence of suspected militants who could pose a major threat to peace and stability in Buner.
He briefed residents about their plans to conduct a military action against suspected militants who are hiding in Shamnal and Elum. Rahman also urged locals to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies in tackling this menace.
According to Rahman, 150 families will be directly affected by the operation. However, the district administration is making arrangements to accommodate these families in nearby villages rather than faraway cities.
The officials pledged to establish medical camps and distribute aid for displaced person once the operation has been announced. NGO representatives were also directed to help the government functionaries in this respect.
Over the last two days, security forces have already cordoned off the area and imposed a curfew. As a result, residents of Shamnal have been forced to stay indoors. Many of them have complained that they are running out of items of daily use. They have requested law-enforcement agencies to allow them to go to the market to stock up on supplies.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2015.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has made preparations to provide relief to residents of Shamnal in Chagharzai area of Buner in the event of a military operation in the area.
According to an insider, between five to six million rupees have been given to the DC to meet the needs of families who are likely to be displaced by a military offensive in the area. “We have taken the necessary precautions and hope the situation does not spiral out of control,” he said.
Meanwhile, government and army personnel held a meeting on Saturday with residents and representatives from NGOs to discuss rehabilitation strategies.
Speaking on the occasion, Buner DC Khaista Rahman informed residents about the presence of suspected militants who could pose a major threat to peace and stability in Buner.
He briefed residents about their plans to conduct a military action against suspected militants who are hiding in Shamnal and Elum. Rahman also urged locals to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies in tackling this menace.
According to Rahman, 150 families will be directly affected by the operation. However, the district administration is making arrangements to accommodate these families in nearby villages rather than faraway cities.
The officials pledged to establish medical camps and distribute aid for displaced person once the operation has been announced. NGO representatives were also directed to help the government functionaries in this respect.
Over the last two days, security forces have already cordoned off the area and imposed a curfew. As a result, residents of Shamnal have been forced to stay indoors. Many of them have complained that they are running out of items of daily use. They have requested law-enforcement agencies to allow them to go to the market to stock up on supplies.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2015.