MINGORA: Though seemed a figment of the imagination, it was reality as hundreds of jubilant Swatis, dancing, clapping and chanting slogans in support of the government and country’s armed forces converged at the Nishat Chowk not only to mark the Independence Day celebrations, but the routing of Taliban and return to their paradise after living for more than three months in camps.
A further boost to the confidence of the dwellers was observed when elected members of the NWFP assembly from Swat, though under strict police security, joined the people and responded to their slogans.
This is the first time in the past three years that the people were seen celebrating the Independence Day in such a befitting manner despite bitterly bruised by the presence of Taliban and their harsh tactics of violence during that period.
Green Chowk, the area once known as Khoony or bloody Chowk, where Taliban used to slaughter people and even did not spare women in their killing spree, was massed by hundreds of young and old men and even children to mark their celebrations over the return of peace in this city once known for its calm and peace all over the country.
This was the first time in the past several months that curfew relaxation was extended up to 11 pm. Though many people did not know about the relaxation and they got back to their houses before dusk. However, crowds of people were seen returning to the city main market from far-off areas till late night to join the celebrations.
Rallies of youth on foot, in cars, pick-up trucks and on motorbikes were seen marching through the streets of the city with playing music in loud voice while others dancing at the thump of drums fitted on the vehicles.
“We have many reasons to celebrate,” said a middle-aged man holding a six-year-old boy on his shoulders. “God rid of Taliban, we returned to our areas and curfew is relaxed. All these have added to our happiness of the Independence Day,” he added.
Almost all the important buildings, both government and private, were decorated with colourful lights and people at shops and in vehicles were playing music in loud voice.
Once turned into a dreaded city because of the presence of Taliban, Mingora was presenting a look of some area outside Pakistan. Army and police personnel were patrolling in their vehicles and waving to the people to join their celebrations.
Nishat Chowk, where thousands of people gathered to chant slogans in support of peace and against violence, were decorated with colourful lights. Groups of youth were coming from each side of the city and merge into the crowd to join the chorus ‘Pakistan Zindabad.’
“We can’t imagine this. This is the courage of the people who are coming out in such a large number and with such zeal and fervour despite seeing hundreds of beheadings, slaughtering and killing of innocent people,” said Usman Khan, resident of Gul Kada area of Mingora City.
“It is terrible....It is unbelievable,” said Abdullah, a medical student hailing from the same city. He said Mingora people used to celebrate the country’s Independence Day in befitting manners, “but this is the first time that I’m seeing such a zeal and fervour among the people.”
Locals said they did not celebrate the day in the past three years. To Abdullah, this is another independence, but this time from militants, who were out to impose their brand of Islam on the people of Swat.
The main function of the Independence Day celebrations will be held at the Wadudia Hall at the Wali-era Jehanzeb College. Ministers, MNAs, MPAs and dignitaries from all the four provinces are expected to join the ceremony.
Children of different schools will present national songs. It would be followed by a musical concert. A hockey match between Swat Green and Swat Red will be played at the Grassy Ground to mark the I-Day celebrations.
Officials said the chief minister NWFP and President Asif Ali Zardari are also expected to join the ceremony which is the grand function of the Independence Day.
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