Anti-polio campaigners’ security increased in Swabi

SWABI: Security for the anti-polio campaigners was enhanced here in the Swabi district on Thursday to ensure the continuation of the ongoing campaign after the killing of two female vaccinators by gunmen the previous day. The two workers were killed by suspected militants during their duty in Parmuli area.

“It has been decided that every polio team will be guarded by the security personnel during the campaign in the district, Imran Shahid, district police officer, told reporters. The DPO said about 200 security personnel have been deployed from Hazara division to Swabi, adding they would perform duty during the campaign.

The campaign was affected in different parts of the Razaar Tehsil on Thursday because some of the campaigners were reluctant to work after the killing the two polio workers a day before.

On the other hand, Lady Health Workers sought adequate security mechanism and provision of financial assistance to the families of two slain vaccinators.

Officials said that Swabi Deputy Commissioner Shahid Mahmood, Health and district police officials continued consultations to adopt a new line of action to achieve the desired objectives and continue with the campaign. They vowed to continue the campaign and assured the campaigners of all possible help, especially security.

A detailed presentation was given to Inspector General of Police Sanaullah Abbasi about the security of the campaigners, normal, sensitive and most sensitive regions in the district and the previous operations conducted against terrorists in the Razaar Tehsil.

Meanwhile, two slain vaccinators were laid to rest at ancestral graveyards. The funeral was attended by officials of the district administration and Health Department, politicians and local people.