Curbing militancy: Mixed reaction over setting up of cantonments in Swat

Construction will begin once funds are released.

SWAT: The decision to establish cantonments in Swat valley is a positive step and will strengthen peace and order in the region. This was stated by in-charge, Swat Operation, Maj-General Ashfaq Nadeem, while talking to mediapersons at Swat Press Club on Thursday.

He said the construction will start once the funds were released.

Gen Nadeem said that cantonment will be constructed in three locations — Matta, Kabal and Shangla. Dialogues have been done with different jirgas for acquisition of land and the process of payments for compensation has been finalised.

However some locals expressed their concern and scepticism about the establishment of the proposed cantonments in the picturesque tourist destination that attracted a large number of foreign and domestic tourists before the insurgency.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a local journalist, Fazal Rabi Rahi, said that the cantonments should be established away from residential areas so that interaction of locals with the army personnel can be avoided. “Far-flung areas will hence be a more suitable place so that these neglected areas could be developed in the process,” he added.

“Civilized people do not need external control, they are internally disciplined. But considering the worst militancy and violence the valley witnessed in the recent past, establishment of a small scale garrison is needed,” said Ziauddin Yousufzai, a social activist of Swat valley. He said that the cantonments may be extended if deemed necessary in the “coming regional strategic scenario”. Although, to maintain law and order, the capacity of local civil forces needs to be built, he said. “At the moment a small-sized cantonment at various locations is an unpleasant option,” he added.

Principal of Sarosh Academy, Ahmad Shah, said, “The establishment is a good step as it will improve the law and order situation.” He said that establishment of cantonments will have no negative impact and “it will benefit the people.”

He cited the example of Abbottabad that according to him experienced a rapid development after the establishment of cantonment in the city. “Opportunities of development and employment like construction of new roads, hospitals, cadet colleges will increase with the establishment of the cantonments,” he opined.

The mayhem in Swat valley seems to have ended since Pakistan Army restored peace by eliminating militancy from the region. The geostrategic importance of the valley has forced authorities to set up the cantonments in one of the most scenic valley.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2010.