Homecoming: SWA IDP repatriation to begin from Aug 18

Registration to start in Tank from Thursday.

TANK/ BANNU: The displaced tribespeople of South Waziristan Agency will start returning to their homes from August 18.

According to the repatriation schedule announced by the government on Tuesday, the registration process will begin from Thursday in
Tank city.

The displaced population from South Waziristan left their homes voluntarily when Operation Rah-e-Nijat was initiated against militants back in 2009. In the past, the government made numerous attempts to formally begin repatriation. However, the tribespeople refused to go back while strict restrictions are imposed by law-enforcement agencies.

SWA assistant political agent said the process is divided into different phases. First tribespeople from Sararogha will be repatriated. They will be followed by the Sarwaikis and then the residents of Tiarza.

FATA Disaster Management Authority SWA Coordinator Said Umar Mehsud said the registration camp will be set up at Zaam Public School in Tank. The IDP families will be given a transportation allowance of Rs10,000 and an aid package worth Rs25,000.

Voicing concerns

Displaced population from North Waziristan Agency, residing in Government Girls High School Kotka Zabta Khan in Bannu, accused the school administration and police of forcing them to abandon the area. Elders said the government did not provide them with any housing facilities. As a result, they have been living in the school since June 2014. Around 280 tribespeople from 20 families live in the school. They requested Bannu DC, the governor and chief minister to provide them with alternative accommodation. Meanwhile the school administration said their presence has affected routine activities.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2015.