Fata Voice News Agency report
LANDIKOTAL: A large number of Khuga Khel tribe youth who also represent various political parties hold a protest demonstration on Friday against the illegal occupation of their land in Torkham.
The protesters who gathered at Bacha Khan square in Landikotal Bazar were holding black flags to mark their anger and stance on the illegal occupation of their land in Torkham.
The protesters chanted full-throat slogans against the political administration, FCR and the corrupt system due to which their land was sold out without taking a large number of youth and other elders in confidence.
Meanwhile, a press release issued from the NLC officials stated and rejected all the allegations made by Khuga Khel tribe against them. The press release issued from NLC authorities is as below.
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NLC version on protest held at Torkham
NLC denies occupation of land
Says agreement with Khugakhel tribe implemented in letter and Spirit
Landi Kotal, 13 April 2018: A spokesman for National Logistics Cell (NLC) has categorically rejected allegations regarding illegal occupation of land belonging to Khugakhel Shinwari tribe by NLC for its Border Terminal.
“All allegations with regard to forced occupation of land, markets and taxi stand are totally baseless. We are honouring Land Lease Agreement with Khugakhel tribe in letter and spirit. Neither we have encroached upon a single inch of land nor delayed payment to the Tribe as provided in the deal. The propaganda is being peddled by elements having vested interests and whose illicit trade has been hurt with establishment of Torkham Border Terminal. These elements spread rumors to agitate people against NLC in order to advance their ulterior motives”, he added.
Giving the details of Land Lease Agreement with Khugakhel Shinwari tribe, the spokesman said that the tribal elders have agreed to provide 300 Kanal of land for setting up the Border Terminal at Torkham. The agreement was signed by genuine Masharan of Khugakhel and NLC and Political Administration Khyber Agency representing the Federal Board of Revenue / Pakistan Land Port Authority on 4 June 2015.
He said that the tribe is being paid Rs 20 million as lease money with 5 % annual increase. Besides, a significant amount on monthly basis is also being paid by NLC on account of tribal shares. In this regard, a sum of Rs. 353 million has so far been paid to the Tribe through the local Political Administration since June 2015. He said that as a goodwill gesture 90% of jobs at Torkham Border Terminal have been given to Khugakhel tribe. He categorically dismissed the allegation of occupying excess land in violation of the said agreement. The spokesman further clarified that legitimate representatives / Masharan of Khugakhel have an excellent relationship with NLC.
