North Waziristan people facing problems after repatriation

PESHAWAR: The displaced people of North Waziristan Agency after returning to their homes and villages are facing numerous problems as they try to rebuild their lives.

The tribesmen said the poor response of the government and relevant departments towards their genuine concerns was causing frustration among the returnees.

They complained that they made several appeals to Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, but he has yet to take note of their complaints and act against the corrupt elements in the political administration.

They said before sending them to their villages and towns, the government had made promises of providing them all the basic facilities that were available to them before the launch of the military offensive “Zarb-e-Azb”. They recalled that the military operation that started on June 15, 2014 against militants caused massive displacement.

Most of the tribespeople claimed that they were given a short time to leave. “We left behind most of our precious belongings in North Waziristan and walked for hours on foot in the scorching heat to reach Bannu,” a tribesman recalled.

They pointed out that they stayed away from their homes for more than three years and upon return home found their houses badly damaged.

They complained of insufficient drinking water and lack of electricity, healthcare services and means of communication.

“I have returned to my village in Danday Darpakhel about four months ago and found my house in a very bad condition. Most of the valuables were missing and even the doors were not spared,” complained a tribesman who didn’t want to be named due to fear of repercussions. He said that like other tribespeople, he too made attempts to seek attention of the political administration for help to resolve their basic issues but in vain.

“The Governor and other decision-makers are well aware of our problems in North Waziristan but I don’t know why they aren’t doing something for us. The government should have avoided sending us back to Waziristan until the basic services were made available,” the tribesman argued.

Another tribesman from Miranshah village made similar complaints and criticised the political administration for failure to take note of their problems.

“The elders and tribesmen have written to the governor and other concerned authorities against the present political agent but he appears to be very strong and is still holding the job,” the tribesman said.

He alleged that due to the political agent’s indifference, all other government officials working under him too adopted the same attitude and ignored their problems.

He said that communication is another major problem and landline phone is the only source of communication for the people. He said the telephone lines damaged in the military operation are yet to be restored.