PESHAWAR: The internally displaced persons of North Waziristan Agency observed the Independence Day as black day on Thursday, saying they had to boycott the celebrations as they’re not allowed to return to their hometowns despite clearance from militants.

The IDPs holding black flags and banners and placards marched from Bagh-i-Naran in Hayatabad Township to the Peshawar Press Club before staging a demonstration there.

Among the mob led by Aamir Ali Wazir, Noorul Qamar and Ali Dawar were schoolchildren in large numbers.

Besides demanding provision of food, money and protection and early rehabilitation, the protestors also urged the government to announce timeframe for end to the North Waziristan military operation for their repatriation.

Take to streets against woeful plight, denial to return home

They said the entire nation was celebrating the Independence Day but the people of North Waziristan had to observe the day as black day due to the woeful plight.

“We have been out of homes and have been living either in camps or with relatives in distress due to the military operation. The government has so far failed to fulfil its commitment to provide us with provision of basic facilities,” a protester said.

He said the federal government claimed 80 per cent of North Waziristan had been cleared from militants but even then, the tribesmen were not allowed to return home.

“It is a matter of grave concern for us that we’re not being allowed to return to hometowns though they’re cleared,” he said, adding that the delay in rehabilitation of IDPs would cause unrest among them.

The protesters said over 87,000 children, including girls, were likely to remain out of schools for at least one year.

They said the government was bound by duty to fulfil its commitments on provision of essential items and financial support and help the people in the hour of need.

The protesters said their elders had rendered sacrifices for the security of borders and proved their loyalties to the soil whenever they were called but even then, the rulers were unfair to them.

They said the people of Swat during their displacement were provided full support and rehabilitated within the shortest possible time but in the case of North Waziristan the federal government had kept mum for unknown reasons.

Similarly, protesters urged the government to ensure registration of the remaining displaced persons and clear their cases without delay for relief.

They said they were very loyal to the country and loved it but it was the government’s wrong policies that forced them to come onto the streets and demand due rights.

The protesters criticised their elected representatives over failure to serve the people in distress, saying parliamentarians from Fata enjoyed luxuries in Islamabad and didn’t bother to come to the help of IDPs.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2014