The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday vowed to take “indiscriminate action” against any and all perpetrators of violence in the unrest-hit Kurram district, adding that the demolition of illegal bunkers would be necessary. Work resumed today.
More than 40 people were killed in November after an attack on a convoy in the Bagan region of Lower Kurram, adding to at least 130 more lives in clashes stemming from a decades-old land dispute.
The unstable security situation kept a main road closed for weeks, leading to shortages of essential commodities and medicines in Parachinar, Upper Karam. While a cease-fire agreement was reached between the warring tribes on January 1, attacks on a government convoy and an aid convoy this month threatened peace.
In response, the authorities launched a limited “anti-terrorism operation” in Lower Kurram Tehsil, ordering the establishment of camps for temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) as more than 1,000 families were displaced. Will be home.
A statement issued by the KP Chief Minister’s office today said that the provincial chief minister today chaired a meeting on the latest developments in the troubled district. KP Chief Secretary, Police Chief, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and others attended.
It said the meeting participants decided to take “indiscriminate action against terrorists and militants from both sides” in the district, adding that the arrest of those named in preliminary reports would be ensured and non- Demolition of legal bunkers will resume from today.
The statement said that all the elements and their facilitators who disturb the peace of the area will be arrested and further legal action will be taken against them.
It added that the police and civil administration would be given a central role in the entire process while other law enforcement agencies would provide support.
Special forces will be deployed for the security of Karam Road. The police will finalize the action plan for temporary and permanent recruitment in this regard.
Immediate steps will be taken to restore and beautify the affected Bagan Bazaar. The monitoring committee established at the provincial level under the chairmanship of Barrister Saif will be made more active.
Furthermore, the participants of the meeting decided to convene a Jirga of the signatories of the Karam Aman Agreement to highlight their responsibilities regarding the implementation of the agreement.
They also agreed that village level committees should be activated in the district.
The statement further said that the members of the meeting decided that in the ongoing tension, both parties will formulate a mechanism for demilitarization of Karam district and submit it to the government as soon as possible.
“Payment of compensation to Bagan victims will be subject to their cooperation with the government and administration.”
Political leadership and elected public representatives will have to come forward openly to restore peace in Karam. Regular visits will be made to monitor demolition of bunkers and arrangement of TDPs in the area.
Additional police personnel will be deployed in the area. A uniform narrative will be given to the media on the Karam issue,” the statement said, adding that the negative propaganda on the situation would be responded to in a timely manner.
Regarding supplies in the area, he said four convoys of vehicles carrying essential items would be sent to the district by the end of the month.
