Repatriation of IDPs continues

KALAYA: The return process of the displaced families continued on the fourth day as 300 more displaced families returned to their native villages in upper parts of Orakzai Agency on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters, Assistant Political Agent Iqbal Wazir said that 300 more families were sent back to their homes in Ismailzai tehsil on fourth day of the return process, which started on April 30. Return process of the displaced families was continued without any untoward incident as strict security measures were made, he added.

He said the officials of the Fata Disaster Management Authority had reached the area to assess damage and loss and distribute relief items among the displaced families. Rs400,000 would be given to the family whose house was completely destroyed while Rs1, 60,000 to that whose house was damaged, he added.

Our correspondent in Wana adds: At least 353 more families returned to their native villages in South Waziristan on Tuesday.

The sources said that 353 families comprising 5,234 individuals were sent back to their villages in Ladha, Sararogha, Sarwakai and Tiarza tehsils during the third phase of the return process which started on April 11.

GoC Maj Gen Khalid Javed is monitoring the return process of the internally displaced persons.The sources said that political administration and security forces officials were taking steps to provide facilities to the returning IDPs.