Elders demand dialogue over displacement; grand jirga of Afridi tribes to meet today
Jirga at Tirah villay. P:hoto: Express
BARA:
Amid rising tensions and a deteriorating security situation in Tirah Valley, local elders, clerics, traders and political representatives held a key jirga to deliberate over the demand from security forces to temporarily vacate the area, sources said on Tuesday.
According to participants, the jirga was attended by prominent figures including Maulana Hazrat Khan, Maulana Mehboob, Maulana Haiwa Jan, tribal elders Adam Khan, Malik Naseer Khan, Zahid Khan, office-bearers of the Tirah Traders Union, representatives of the Tirah Political Alliance and a large number of local residents.
During the meeting, security officials reportedly instructed community leaders to evacuate the valley temporarily to avoid potential damage or civilian casualties in case of further conflict.
However, the tribal elders refused to comply immediately, declaring that leaving the area would be their “last option” and that any decision would be taken collectively through consultation.
The elders later held a follow-up meeting with security officials at the Tirah Brigade Headquarters, seeking one day’s time for further discussions before making a final decision.
Jirga participants announced that a grand jirga of all Afridi tribes would be convened on Wednesday (today) to decide the future course of action. They appealed to the public to participate in large numbers to ensure a united community decision regarding the valley’s future.
Local sources said that residents of Tirah Valley have made it clear that they are unwilling to abandon their homes under any circumstances, stressing that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue and peace councils.
The jirga elders reiterated their commitment to cooperate with security forces for peace and stability in the region, but stressed that they would not support the displacement of the local population.
