A long time coming: Khyber IDPs lay eyes on home turf after 7 years

At least 245 families return to Bara on day one of repatriation.

PESHAWAR/ BANNU: After being put on hold twice, the return of displaced families from Khyber Agency’s Bara tehsil finally occurred on Friday. At least 245 families returned home on the first day of repatriation after a period of seven years.

Political Agent Shahab Ali Shah, while briefing the media at Milward Fort, Khyber Agency, said the decision to allow people to return had been taken in view of improved law and order in the area. Around 80,000 families which were affected will be repatriated to Khyber Agency, he said.

By the end of the first day, a total of 1,305 individuals had returned safely, said officials. These included 603 women and 702 men, they said. Cash compensation of Rs35,000 and Rs 10,000 for transport will be transferred to the returning families via ATM cards and cellular SIMs handed out at registration points.

In response to a question, the political agent said the government has planned a survey to compensate for damaged property. “Rs 0.4million will be given to a family whose house would be completely damaged and Rs160, 000 to a family whose houses were partially damaged” he said.

The registration of Malik Din Khel, Kamar Khel and Shalober tribes would begin early next month.

The political agent explained a majority of militant strongholds have been destroyed and numerous militants have been killed in combat with security forces. More than 450 militants surrendered, and a narrow strip of Tirah Valley was still “not clear”, explained Shah.

The registration of 20,000 Akakhel tribesmen who are meant to be repatriated will end within three weeks.

Talking to The Express Tribune in Peshawar, Asad Shahzada, a resident of Akkakhel, said although he appreciated the government’s decision to allow the tribespeople to go back home, it was important that their houses should be reconstructed.

Punjab’s role

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad called on Punjab Acting Governor Rana Mohammad Iqbal at Governor House Lahore, read a statement issued on Friday. Sardar Mehtab also met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Sardar Mehtab thanked the Punjab government for assisting Fata’s displaced. The discussion between officials from the two provinces mainly focused on the repatriation process and on the economic and social rehabilitation of the tribal areas.

NWA’s displaced

Registration of IDPs from three areas of North Waziristan Agency—Shahmiri Spinwam, Mirali Spinwam and Shashilkhel Bobli—was under way for the third day at the Bannu camp. Each person is required to have their CNIC and the receipt they were given at the time of their displacement to be able to register. Returning IDPs will be repatriated from a separate camp in Bakakhel, Bannu under strict security.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2015.