KHYBER: Inclement weather and an armed attack on a security forces’ convoy in Thor Chapar area of Tirah Valley has abruptly suspended the return of Kukikhel families to the region.

Sources in Jamrud said that the attack on security forces took place in Thor Chapar area about four days ago with forces personnel killing the militants in the retaliation.

They said that the return of remaining over 100 families was then suspended after the armed clash while the region also received its first snowfall of the current winter season coupled with downpour.

They said that with most of the houses damaged in Thor Chapar area, it was almost impossible for the returning families to reside in these dilapidated houses with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) providing one tent to each family.

The sources further said that a majority of the returning families, comprising about 1,900 individuals, had also returned to Jamrud and Peshawar owing to harsh weather and the current security situation in Thor Chapar area.

The return of Thor Chapar displaced families started on October 29 when the provincial government succumbed to the two months long protest of the affected Kukikhel families.

PDMA officials said that so far 1,907 families out of the total 2,041 had been sent back with provision of non-food items and cash grant for their return journey.

They said that the next phase of the remaining Kukikhel families would be started in May 2025 if the security clearance was granted by the forces stationed in the region.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024