Action against militants after taking people into confidence, says CS

DIR/TIMERGARA: Praising the local people for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the security forces against terrorism, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah on Thursday said that targeted action against militants would be carried out in consultation with the people.

He was speaking at two separate jirgas in Upper and Lower Dir during his visit to the districts. Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hamid also accompanied the chief secretary.In Upper Dir, the chief secretary and IGP met members of the Qaumi jirga at the District Council Hall. The chief secretary announced that the families of three civilians martyred during the recent anti-terrorism operation in Upper Dir would receive Rs10 million each.

Shahab Ali Shah commended the bravery and courage of the people of Dir in fighting terrorism and appreciated their support for the police. The IGP, on the occasion, said that modern arms and equipment would be provided to the police force to combat terrorism effectively.

The locals demanded arms permits and licenses to defend themselves against terrorists and maintain peace in the region. The senior officers assured them of the necessary support and equipment, adding that the government planned to provide modern and secure vehicles to the Dir police.

Later, while addressing a grand jirga at the District Assembly Hall in Balambat, Lower Dir, the chief secretary said that military action against militants in the district would be targeted and undertaken only in consultation with the people.

“The government never desires military operations, but circumstances sometimes compel it. If people want the government to avoid operations, they must also fulfil their responsibilities as citizens,” he remarked.

He termed the ongoing conflict in the province’s troubled areas a “guerrilla war,” saying militants had taken shelter in settled areas and were carrying out attacks from houses, mosques, and schools.

The CS said the presence of the army and police in the area was due to militants who were bent on disrupting peace. Military operations, he maintained, were costly and undesirable, but sometimes unavoidable.

Responding to a question, he said avoiding operations was possible only if militants left the area, and urged the public to stand by the security forces.“Distrust and slander against state institutions only strengthen terrorists,” he warned.

Shahab Ali Shah rejected allegations from some quarters that the conflict was linked to the control of minerals, saying resources could only be extracted when peace prevailed.Citing past examples, he said areas in Upper Dir and Salarzai in Bajaur had achieved stability when locals stood by the security forces.

He added that citizens should not pick up arms but must, at the very least, raise their voices against militants. The CS announced that more police would be recruited in Lower Dir and firearm permits issued to elders who required protection.He said operations in Bajaur were being carried out in consultation with local elders and public representatives, which had led to the clearance of many areas.