75pc of Orakzai area cleared

Source Dawn

Fresh troops have been sought for the ongoing operation in Mamozai area of Orakzai Agency where security forces are facing stiff resistance from militants.


Operation commander Col. Waseem told journalists at a news briefing in Hangu on Thursday that militants had been ousted from 75 per cent area where permanent checkposts have been established for the safety of tribesmen.


“The military is patrolling and conducting operation in 15 per cent area where operation is in progress and security forces will gain control over it after arrival of fresh troops. Only 5-10 per cent area is under the control of Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after five-month-long operation because of shortage of army personnel who are engaged in relief activities in the flood-affected parts of the country,” said the operation commander.

He said that according to the directives of Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani the security forces would remain in the region until complete restoration of peace and for the moral and on-ground support of the administration.

Col. Waseem said that 62 security personnel were martyred and 213 injured during the operation between March and July. Also, 600 militants were killed during clashes and 250 who were arrested are being kept at various places for interrogation, he added.

He gave firm assurance to the tribesmen that militants would never return to the parts of tribal area where writ of the government had been enforced. He said that the writ of government could only be maintained with the collective efforts of the tribesmen, administration and army.

Answering a question, he said that the threat of suicide attacks would remain there in the country and it was the only tool left with terrorists to demoralise public.

Political Agent Riaz Mehsud while briefing journalists said that phase-wise return of 100,000 affected families had started and the government would be providing food and non-food items to the returning families for six months to help them in rehabilitation.

“The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are returning voluntarily and it is the desire of the administration to facilitate the IDPs without harming their dignity,” he said.

Mr Mehsud said that 64,000 families displaced from Storikhel, Utmankhel, Bezote and Ferozekhel had already returned to their homes and the remaining 13,000 would be rehabilitated within one week.

In the third to sixth phase the Mishti, Sheikhan, Daradar, Rabiakhel, Shahukhel, Alikhel and Mullahkhel tribes would be allowed to return to their homes.

He said that the administration had established six registration points to block the way of militants back into the tribal area in the guise of IDPs.

He said that under a comprehensive strategy peace would be maintained in the region through jirga system and village defence committees, which would keep liaison with security forces and political administration.

Lt. Col. Habib told newsmen that ample stock of food and non-food items was available for the returning IDPs.