Urges Centre to deploy FC in tribal areas
As the death toll from ongoing tribal clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district continued to rise despite ceasefire attempts, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has emphasised the need for establishing peace in the area as he ordered authorities to demolish check posts of rival tribes and seize their weapons.
The provincial chief executive issued the directives during a grand jirga, organised in Kohat district, which was attended by elders of the rival tribes.
Speaking at the jirgay, Gandapur assured the participants that the provincial government was ready to go to any extent to establish peace and law and order.
He also directed the authorities concerned to take measures for the “immediate resettlement” of homeless victims in Kurram. “People’s loss of life and property should be compensated immediately,” he added.
Furthermore, he said, the weapons in the possession of the rival tribes should be immediately seized. “The administration will keep those weapons in its custody until peace is restored,” he added.
The chief minister also called for action, including arrest and registration of cases, against those spreading hatred on social media.
He urged the parties to immediately announce a ceasefire and implement previous peace agreements. “Peace cannot be restored without the cooperation of the citizens,” he said.
Gandapur urged the federal government to deploy Frontier Corps platoons in tribal areas to support efforts aimed at restoring peace, despite political differences between federal and provincial administrations.
He directed security personnel to deal with those disrupting peace as they would deal with terrorists. “Whoever disturbs the peace will face the same fate as terrorists,” he said.
He noted that the military, police, and local administration are working together for lasting stability. “All bunkers in the area must be dismantled without discrimination,” Gandapur added, highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to sustaining harmony.
Calling on local leaders to play their role in reducing animosity between factions, he said, “The local community should identify individuals causing unrest, and elders must work to end the atmosphere of hatred.”
