By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Residents of the Tirah Valley have agreed to evacuate their homes once again due to renewed security threats and a possible military operation, but only if the government formally accepts their 27-point list of demands presented to the security forces and civil officials in Tirah Maidan on Friday.
A grand Jirga of the Afridi tribes held in Tirah has asked for written guarantees from the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Federal Interior Minister, the Peshawar Corps Commander, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Commander of the 27 Brigade.
According to jirga representatives, families would move to safer areas only after receiving assurances that they would be allowed to return within two months of the operation. They have demanded Rs 700,000 compensation per family, along with transport, food, shelter and basic supplies during displacement.
Residents have also asked that their belongings not be checked or confiscated and that NCP vehicles be registered in Tirah and allowed to travel to Peshawar.
The demands include full compensation for land currently under government use, Rs 8 million for fully damaged houses and Rs 4 million for partially damaged structures.
Locals have further requested the immediate issuance of cheques for houses demolished after 2014.
For long-term stability, the jirga has sought restoration of health and education facilities, establishment of a cadet college, construction of girls’ schools, activation of hospitals, development of major link roads, a drainage system along mountain bases and designation of Tirah Maidan as a separate provincial constituency.
Residents have also called for a special development package, interest-free loans, compensation for traders’ losses and restoration of water, electricity and gas supplies.
Sources said the community would begin relocating once the government provides written guarantees, adding that the decision has been taken in view of continuing security concerns and the aim of ensuring lasting peace in Tirah Valley.
It may be added here that due to the growing attacks on civil and state institutions, the security forces have decided to conduct targeted military operations in various locations in the Tirah valley, where they believe the terrorists’ sanctuaries and hideouts are active against the government.
