SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The South Waziristan jirga held in the Shaktoi area on Tuesday demanded an end to alleged quadcopter strikes on residential areas and the repeated imposition of curfew in the region.
The All Political Alliance, Upper South Waziristan, organised the jirga. Mehsud tribal elders, ulema, and political and social figures attended.
South Waziristan jirga: Resolution against strikes in populated areas
The jirga passed a resolution demanding an end to mortar firing and quadcopter strikes in populated areas, which it said put people’s lives and property at risk.
The resolution called upon the authorities to ensure that residents were not exposed to unnecessary risks. It demanded coordination between the authorities and the people to address public issues.
South Waziristan jirga: Curfew and checkpoint complaints
The participants called for relaxing the curfew imposed repeatedly in the area. They said arrangements should be made to facilitate the movement of patients, elderly people and those facing medical or other emergencies during curfew hours.
The participants also highlighted the difficulties residents faced at security checkpoints. They claimed some checkpoints closed before evening, inconveniencing people travelling between different areas. They demanded that checkpoints remain open for appropriate hours to facilitate smooth movement.
The jirga also discussed the installation of speed-breakers at checkpoints. Participants said three speed-breakers at a single location created difficulties for patients, elderly people and other travellers. They demanded that speed-breakers be installed at appropriate distances, and called for modifications to safety walls at checkpoints so that large vehicles could pass.
Communication facilities
Another issue raised during the jirga was poor mobile phone and internet services in Shaktoi. The participants said residents were still deprived of basic communication facilities in the region.
What is a jirga?
A jirga is a traditional tribal assembly in which elders and community representatives gather to discuss issues, settle disputes and pass collective resolutions. It remains an important decision-making forum in the merged tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Who organised the Shaktoi jirga?
The jirga was organised by the All Political Alliance, Upper South Waziristan. It was attended by Mehsud tribal elders, ulema, and political and social figures from the area.
South Waziristan jirga: What did the jirga demand?
The jirga passed a resolution demanding an end to mortar firing and quadcopter strikes in populated areas. It also called for relaxing repeated curfews, facilitating the movement of patients and the elderly during curfews, keeping checkpoints open for appropriate hours, and improving mobile and internet services.
What complaints were raised about checkpoints?
Participants said some checkpoints closed before evening, inconveniencing travellers. They complained that three speed-breakers at a single location made travel difficult for patients and the elderly, and that safety walls blocked the passage of large vehicles.
