Mohmand jirga vows to maintain peace

GHALLANAI: The elders and officials of district administration and Frontier Corps (North) in a grand jirga on Thursday discussed the possible targeted operations against the extortionists and vowed that law and order would be maintained in Mohmand tribal district at all costs.

Held at the Jirga Hall in Ghalanai, the headquarters of Mohmand tribal district, the participants discussed the ways and means for a lasting solution to extortion in marble mines, protection of people and ensuring that security operations did not cause hardships to the general public.

On this occasion, tribal elders reaffirmed their commitment and vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the security forces in targeted operations.They underlined that the action should target terrorists, not ordinary civilians, as thousands of people were still unemployed due to terrorism and unrest in the area.

It was further resolved that peace and security in the region would be ensured at all costs, with solid measures to improve the law and order situation so that business activities, mineral resources and public life can move forward in a safe and stable environment.Earlier, Brigadier Manazir Hussain of 114 Brigade while addressing the jirga said that after Bajaur, some extremist elements had sneaked into the mountains of Mohmand.

“Several of them have been eliminated in operations over the past two weeks, yet some continue demanding extortion from marble mine contractors,” he said, adding that law enforcement agencies were responsible for safeguarding public life and ensuring a peaceful environment.