BARA:
The Bara Political Alliance has intensified its protest movement against the worsening displacement crisis in Tirah Valley and rising insecurity in Bara Akakhel, tribal district of Khyber.
The alliance called for a grand jirga afridi on May 2 to finalize a future course of action, including a possible protest in Peshawar.
Alliance President Hasham Khan Afridi told The Express PAkGazette that the displaced families of Tirah are enduring extreme hardships, while the law and order situation in Bara Akakhel has become alarming. “A united fight to solve these problems is now inevitable,” he said. The jirga will bring together the 24-member Tirah Committee, elected representatives, political and social organizations and members from various walks of life.
A grand preliminary jirga held on March 30 issued a detailed letter of demands. The provincial government has been urged to immediately implement 35 points agreed upon with the 24-member committee. These include a comprehensive strategy for the dignified return of displaced people so that they can restart cultivation on their lands, and assured compensation for landowners affected by development projects.
The jirga also demanded that locals be given priority in new police recruitments in Tirah, and that displaced families be given pending financial aid, including Rs 250,000 and Rs 50,000 monthly, without delay. Declaring the unrest in Bara Akakhel serious, the jirga called for urgent and effective government action.
An appeal has been made to all political parties, national councils, student groups, doctors’ unions and merchant communities to ensure full participation in the May 2 jirga to finalize the venues and strategy of the protest. The statement reiterated the commitment to constitutional and peaceful means in the fight for rights.
Meanwhile, Khyal Zaman Afridi, president of the Akakhel National Council, noted that residents of Kanduri Kalli in Bara have already been forced to migrate due to insecurity, and houses in Alam Kalli have also been damaged. The record of Akakhel casualties remains incomplete and civilian deaths caused by drone strikes remain a major concern.
“Meetings have been held with the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and relevant officials, and assurances have been given,” Khyal Zaman said. “But if the demands are not met in two days, we will launch protests towards Peshawar. The Akakhel tribe will be on the frontline.”
Sohbat Khan Afridi, spokesperson for the Tirah Victims’ Movement, endorsed the alliance’s plan and pledged full support for the dignified rehabilitation of Tirah victims and an end to the unrest.
On the other hand, MNA Haji Muhammad Iqbal Afridi said that all available resources are being used to resolve the problems of the victims. He noted that there is no clear written agreement on the return of victims and urged the 24-member committee to reveal details to take practical steps. He added that contacts with the provincial government regarding the Bara Akakhel unrest are ongoing, and they are expected to improve soon.
A sit-in protest by the Tirah Victims Movement in front of the Bara Press Club has continued for 77 consecutive days, with victims demanding their rights.
