Dispute between Sikhs, Hangu admin resolved

HANGU: The dispute between the district administration and Sikh community was resolved here on Sunday.

The traders from Sikh community alleged that Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Ayub made uncalled for remarks about their religion and asked them to convert to Islam. They said the Assistant Commissioner at the time was carrying out routine checking at the bazaar.

The traders filed a written complaint at the office of Deputy Commissioner Shahid Mehmood against the said official.

The administration suspended the Assistant Commissioner and convened a jirga of Sikhs, local elders and elected representatives to resolve the issue. The jirga assured the Sikh community respect of their religion and protection of their constitutional rights.

However, talking to reporters after the jirga, Nazim Thall tehsil Haji Pyaozar said that Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Ayub was an efficient public official. He said that his suspension was an unwanted act. There are between 150 to 200 Sikhs in Hangu, mostly involved in running small businesses.