LAKKI MARWAT: After last week’s major offensive against armed groups in Bannu, the police have increased night patrolling in the southern district to maintain peace and curb crimes.

Around two dozen suspected militants were arrested with arms and ammunition during a grand cleanup operation targeting the “good Taliban” following an agreement between Aman Jirga and the government.

On July 19, thousands of people participated in a peace march in Bannu, which was later marred by violence. Afterwards, the people staged a protest sit-in. The weeklong protest camp ended when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandaur addressed a big public rally in Bannu and announced that the provincial government had accepted the charter of demands presented by the Aman Jirga.

The Aman Jirga had demanded night patrolling by the police and giving a free hand to the cops to carry out actions against terrorists.

“Police are conducting night patrolling regularly in the urban and rural localities of the district,” district police officer Ziauddin Ahmed said on Monday. He said the night patrolling was aimed to maintain law and order and ensure safety of citizens and passengers on the roads.

Mr Ahmed said he also visited the urban and rural localities at nighttime to check cops’ presence on duty and get feedback from citizens about their performance.

“Clear instructions have been issued to subordinate officials to deal with bandits, drug barons, anti-social and anti-peace elements sternly,” he made clear, adding all available resources would be utilised to protect people’s lives and properties.

Like Bannu, police have also started night patrolling in Lakki Marwat to give a sense of security to people.

SHOT DEAD: A woman was shot dead and her brother-in-law sustained bullet injuries when they were attacked near their house in Purdil Begukhel area of Lakki Marwat on Monday. Police said the incident occurred over children’s quarrel.

They identified the deceased as Hayat Bibi, 48, and said the body and the injured, Sakhi Zaman, 47, were shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Serai Naurang.

The police registered a case against the assailant, identified as Parvez Khan, on the complaint of the injured.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2024