NWA IDPs to start returning in March

BANNU: The internally displaced persons (IDPs), who left North Waziristan Agency (NWA) after the launch of military operation Zarb-e-Azb, would return home in March, a military official said.
Giving a briefing here on Monday, the Bakakhel IDPs Camp, Frontier Region (FR) Bannu, in-charge Brigadier Muhammad Mukhtiar said that the first phase of the displaced families’ return would begin next month.
He said the repatriation of the IDPs was the responsibility of the government while the security forces would also play their due role in the process. “Repatriation process comprises of two phases: in the first stage, reconstruction of damaged schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure would be completed. In the second phase, transport facilities, financial assistance, ration for three months and medical facilities to the IDPs would be arranged,” he said. The official said the children would also be administered anti-polio drops.
He said the repatriation process would be initiated under the supervision of the Fata Secretariat, Bannu commissioner, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and Temporarily Displaced Persons Secretariat.
Brigadier Muhammad Mukhtiar pointed out that IDPs would face no hardships during their repatriation. “The IDPs are our guests and all the available resources will be utilised for their repatriation,” he assured.