Starting from scratch: Eidak tribespeople return to deserted houses, dead livestock

Food, electricity being provided by armed forces


Our Correspondent July 22, 2015
Food, electricity being provided by armed forces . PHOTO: AFP/FILE

PESHAWAR: Displaced persons who have returned to Eidak in North Waziristan are finding it difficult to go back to their old routine in a place that has remained abandoned for over a year.

According to insiders, Dawar tribespeople have returned home to deserted homes after spending little over a year in Bannu as internally displaced persons (IDP).

“So far 80% of the displaced population have returned to their homes in the urban areas of Eidak,” a displaced person who returned to Eidak told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

He voiced satisfaction over their living conditions, saying a large number of facilities are being arranged by the armed forces.

“The army has welcomed tribespeople in their areas and are also providing them with food,” he said. “Furthermore, electricity supply is also being arranged for them and clean drinking water is being provided through decades-old well.

Sticking points

However, most residents who have returned to Eidak are facing countless problems.

“Some wells in the area have dried up and water pumps used to fetch water from wells are also missing,” an insider said. “However, most of their belongings are missing or have been destroyed due to rain and rough weather.”

He added most of their houses are in a dilapidated condition and many of them have lost their sources of income.

Loss of income

According to Mudasir, a tribesperson, most of the livestock has died. “The animals died due to the lack of fodder and water,” he said. “Others were eaten by dogs. Skeletons of dead animals are also seen scattered around the streets.”

New beginnings

However, Mudasir was pleased with efforts made by the armed forces to welcome the tribespeople back to their native land.

“A road from Bannu to Miranshah has been constructed and check posts have been set up to ensure peace in the area,” he said. “Armed forces are providing ration to all those who are retuning and families are delighted to return to their native area but they have to start life from the scratch now. It will take time.”

Another tribesperson said almost all of his belongings are missing from his house.

“The missing items not only include cash and valuables but furniture, crockery and blankets,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2015. 

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