KHAR: The security forces backed by gunship helicopters on Tuesday continued pounding the hideouts of militants on the second day of the targeted operation in Bajaur’s Mamond tehsil.
The district administration asked the residents in Damadola, Inam Khuro, Cheena Gai and Chohatra in Mamond to evacuate for their safety.
Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali, the administration, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Khar Dr Sadiq Ali, moved residents to safer locations using government buses. Authorities made arrangements for the displaced population at government and private schools as well as at the Bajaur Sports Complex. Facilities included clean drinking water, electricity, lighting in tents, and generators to mitigate the heat. Cooked meals were provided to the displaced by the district administration and various welfare organisations.
A curfew was imposed on main roads in Bajaur, while 27 areas of Mamond would remain under curfew until 11am on August 14.
The restrictions shuttered major markets, including Khar Bazaar, Inayat Killay Bazaar, Nawagai, and Siddiqabad, leaving main roads deserted.
Meanwhile, tribal jirgas from various clans of Salarzai unanimously decided not to shelter militants and vowed strict action against those disturbing the peace.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner (Finance and Planning) Saeedullah Jan, more than 20,000 families had so far been displaced. While most are staying with relatives, 1,325 families have been accommodated in 85 government and private schools and the Bajaur Sports Complex, housing a total of 9,104 people, including women and children.
Meanwhile, a child was killed and four members of the same family injured when a shell hit their house during the ongoing operation in Bajaur. The incident occurred in the Irab area of Loi Mamond tehsil.
