Elders in Bannu announce to observe strike on May 19

BANNU: The elders in Bannu announced to observe strike on May 19 as the talks with the Commissioner of Bannu Division ended without a resolution on Wednesday.

In response, the tribal elders have announced a complete wheel-jam, shutter-down strike, and closure of key highways on May 19.The meeting was held at the residence of former Senator Baz Muhammad Khan in Shehbaz Azmatkhel, where a large number of tribal elders were present.

The elders raised various issues including the recovery of the missing teacher; reopening of roads, withdrawal of cases and reinstatement of 16 cops.Commissioner Muhammad Ali Shah assured the elders that apart from Jumma Khan Road, all other roads would be reopened and access to government offices would be facilitated. He pledged to play a proactive role in addressing their remaining demands and appealed to the elders to call off the May 19 protest.

Despite thanking the officials for their visit, the tribal elders were not satisfied with the assurances and declared the talks inconclusive. They have now formed a committee to coordinate with other tribal communities and ensure the success of the May 19 protest, which will include full-scale road blockades, a wheel-jam, and shutter-down strike across the region.