Call to send NWA IDPs back home before Ramazan

PESHAWAR: The alliance of the political parties in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Wednesday urged the government to expedite the return of the displaced tribes and ensure completion of the rehabilitation process before Ramazan.

Speaking at a press conference here, chairman of the alliance, Malik Akbar Khan said that the security forces had been making tall claims about clearing North Waziristan. However, he said the government was showing lethargy in the rehabilitation process.

He demanded the government to ensure provision of basic facilities to the affected tribal people before their return to native towns. The educational institutions and hospitals should be reopened and staff and facilities made available there, he added.

The tribesman asked the government to conduct proper survey of the damages caused during the prolonged military operation and substantial compensation should be given to the affected people.

Malik Akbar Khan, who represents the Qaumi Watan Party, said all educational institutions and healthcare centres were still closed in the agency. Potable water is also not available in most of the areas and the people are facing severe problems in movement due to enhanced checking by the security forces, he complained.