Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Speakers at a condolence reference here on Sunday said that the Pashtun community has taken to the streets to protest for their protection as they have been frustrated by increasing violence, targeted killings, extortion and kidnappings for ransom in the tribal areas.
A memorial event for slain journalist Khalil Jibran Afridi was organized by a local committee along with the political alliance district Khyber at Takia ground in Landikotal.
Speakers, including Shireen Afridi, Jamat-e-Islami amir Murad Hussain Afridi, Awami National Party president Shah Hussain Shinwari, Jamaat Ulema Islam senior leader Mufti Ijaz Shinwari, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement(, PTM) district coordinator Aftab Shinwari, Zia-ul-Haq, Shah Khalid, former member of the Parliament Shafiq Sher Afridi, Khan Wali Afridi and Mairajuddin, expressed their concern over the poor law and order situation and Landikotal. They demanded the arrest of the killers of journalist Khalil Jibran Afridi.
Speakers condemned the failure of police and security forces to apprehend his killers and demanded peace, education and employment for the new generation.
Various political, religious and social leaders and hundreds of locals gathered at Khyber Takia to participate in the memorial reference for Khalil Jibran Afridi.
The speakers highlighted the once-peaceful nature of Landikotal, now marred by a conspiracy to spread lawlessness. They expressed concern over the rising incidents of extortion, kidnappings and targeted killings, questioning the performance of the authorities.
The participants rejected any new military operations for the sake of dollars, referencing past operations resulting in displacement and property destruction.
The speakers criticized the security forces and police for failing to protect the people and demanded an end to unwarranted arrests and house raids. The absence of elected representatives at the event was also noted and speakers emphasized the need for unity in restoring peace. They warned that if the situation was not controlled the continued unrest could engulf the entire country.
The gathering called on the government and international media, including Khyber News television to provide financial support to Khalil Jibran Afridi’s family. The participants voiced concerns over increasing poverty and unemployment in the tribal areas and urged the government to address these issues.
Before this, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam held a demonstration in Landikotal Bazaar against the prevailing lawlessness and threats to citizens’ lives.
