Reinforcements: Sense of security returns with levies deployment in Mohmand

200 officials stationed at Pak-Afghan border in Baizai <br /> subdivision; displaced families begin repatriation.

GHALLANAI:

More than 200 levies personnel have been deployed on the Pak-Afghan border at Baizai subdivision of Mohmand Agency.

The aim is to ensure that the government maintains its writ in an area which was inaccessible in the past. Baizai Assistant Political Agent Arif Khan Yousafzai told The Express Tribune that the area shares the border with the Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nangrahar.

He added the area only became accessible after the military operation in 2011. Subsequently, a village defence committee (VDC) took charge of the sub division’s security, while forces manned the border.



Following the restoration of peace in the agency, the VDCs were disbanded – based on complaints that its members were acting like warlords. He added that after this step, people displaced by the 2011 military operation started returning to the area.

Yousafzai said as many as 50 families have come back, while others would return soon. The assistant political agent said a jirga is being convened to assure displaced people of a safe passage back to their homes.

The official said the levies force has been deployed on the border posts of Safdar, Taj and Sam Ghakhi. In addition, the force was also stationed at three posts in Kuda Khel and one at Anwar.

At the same time, the levies personnel manned main roads leading to the sub division’s Khwazai area and some temporary posts, while permanent ones are under construction. Yousafzai said rations and ammunition have already been provided to the officials.

Malik Ahmad Khan of Juma Khel Khwazai told The Express Tribune a large number of people returned after the restoration of peace, while individuals dissatisfied with VDCs will also head back soon.

He was confident of seeing economic activity in the tribal areas as people feel more secure in the presence of the levies force.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2015.