KHYBER: Security officials and tribal elders on Thursday failed to agree on a temporary “pullout” of residents from Tirah’s selected areas here ahead of a potential military operation against terrorists.

A jirga was held at the 27 Brigade in Bagh Maidan area about the elimination of terrorists and restoration of peace in Tirah valley.

Elders from Malakdinkhel, Qambarkhel, Kamarkhel, Shalobar, Adamkhel and Zakhakhel attended the meeting.

Sources insisted that the brigade commander informed elders that temporary evacuation of some areas was imperative to prevent collateral damage in the possible military operation, so families would be shifted to safer places.

He also called for close coordination between security forces and residents, warning tribesmen against aiding terrorists or becoming “part of the fight between security forces and terrorists.”

Sources said the bridge commander also disclosed that some additional checkposts would be established in the valley for which the cooperation of the local tribes would be necessary.

The jirga was also told that the houses of those facilitating would be burnt or demolished, while the areas harbouring terrorists would be targeted in drone attacks.

Sources told Dawn that almost all tribal elders refused to vacate their houses or help form any peace committee or tribal lashkar and declared that they would stay “completely neutral” during the ongoing fight against terrorism in the valley.

They also said that the tribal elders had clearly told security officials that they wanted durable peace in the region but it was the prime responsibility of the security forces to ensure that.

The sources insisted that it was almost impossible for the residents of Tirah to vacate their houses without proper alternate arrangement in the intense cold weather.

They added that the residents would support those bringing peace to the area.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024