Measures to maintain law and order; Trouble makers to be classified as terrorists, weapons to be seized
Tariq Saeed Peshawar
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet that met here Monday with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the chair, approved a relief emergency in restive Kurram tribal district that has been declared the disaster-hit district that is confronted acute shortage of food items and other essentials in the wake of bloody infighting spanning over several months.
The KP government spokesperson and advisor to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Saif after the cabinet’s meeting said provincial government has directed authorities concerned to expedite relief operations in the violence-marred district
He added that authorities were ensuring the provision of medicines and food items during the relief emergency. “The relief operation includes provision of medicines, food, and transportation via airborne service.”
The prolonged roadblock has led to severe shortages of essential supplies in Parachinar, including food items, medicines, fuel, firewood, and LPG, while daily life and economic activities remain heavily impacted as a result.
Tribal clashes have killed more than 200 people since July, with various truces announced since the latest round of fighting began, as elders from the two sides negotiate a lasting agreement.
In the meantime, the government has shut down key roads in and out of the district in an attempt to quell the violence, after a security convoy escorting residents was attacked in November, leaving more than 40 dead.
During today’s provincial cabinet meeting, the participants were briefed that a number of Jirgas were held to ensure a sustainable solution to the tribal dispute. At least 10 tons of medicines were delivered via airborne service to address the shortage of medicines in Kurram, the participants were briefed. Furthermore, wheat was being provided at “concessional rates” to ensure the availability of food commodities.
The KP government has also launched a helicopter service to resolve transportation problems. At least 220 people were transported via helicopter within two days. The participants were apprised of another decision regarding establishing road safety check-posts.
Regarding the road closure, the attendees were briefed that the artery would be re-opened after an agreement between both tribes. Moreover, a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cell would be established against social media accounts spreading sectarian hatred.
The KP cabinet also decided to establish a desk in the Home Department for issuing licenses for weapons. It was also decided to demolish the bunkers established in the area by February 1, they were briefed.
Speaking during the meeting, KP CM Gandapur said that the people of Kurram want peace, adding that the issue is not terrorism-related but a conflict between two groups. He also castigated “some elements” for worsening the situation by spreading sectarian hatred, saying that they were creating false narratives to give a “different color to the Kurram issue”.
“The conflict in Kurram is a local dispute, not terrorism. Certain elements are fueling unrest through false narratives and communal hatred. The Government remains committed to resolving the issue peacefully through dialogue and Jirgas while ensuring the safety of residents”. CM Gandapur said.
The chief minister said that illegal heavy weapons abound in the violence-hit district. “There is no justification for possessing so many weapons and forming bunkers,” he said, adding that no government’s policy allows armed groups to possess illegal heavy weapons.
Clarifying that no decision has been made to conduct operations in Tirah Valley and JaniKhel, Gandapur said his government was seeking a peaceful solution to the issue through talks and local Jirgas.
