KHAR: There was a state of euphoria in most of Bajaur Agency as all the educational institutions, government departments, bazaars and markets opened on Monday.
A hustle and bustle could be seen in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur region, and other big and small towns. All main and link roads were opened to facilitate the returnees to their hometowns while cellular phone service and World Food Programme centres also started functioning after a long time.
Reports said that tribesmen, dislocated due to the clashes between the security forces and militants, have started returning to their homes and villages. The joy could be seen on the faces of tribesmen who were seen exchanging greetings over restoration of peace in Bajaur. Those coming to their native villages hoisted national flags on the vehicles and were chanting slogans ‘long live Pakistan’ and ‘salute to Pakistan Army.’
The government departments including educational institutions were closed after launching of military operation against the militants in August 2008, and the subsequent volatile situation in Bajaur tribal region.
Thousands of families left their hearths and homes and shifted to safer places in the settled districts of NWFP. Some tribesmen also migrated to Punjab and Sindh provinces. Meanwhile, 38 militants including a commander surrendered to the security forces in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur Agency, on Tuesday. Sources said the militants belonging to Mamond subdivision in the presence of a tribal jirga handed their weapons to the security forces. Commander Khalifa was also among them.
The militants promised not to indulge in militant activities or allow others to carry out subversive acts in Bajaur Agency. The security forces carried out search and cleanup operation in Sewai, Shinkot, Damadola and adjoining areas and recovered weapons and explosives from the abandoned hideouts of militants.
No comments:
Post a Comment