BARA: The Bara Siyasi Ittehad on Wednesday announced the plan to launch a protest movement against the deteriorating law and order situation and the longstanding issues faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Tirah Valley and Bara.
Speaking at a press conference, Bara Siyasi Ittehad President Hashim Khan Afridi said that Tirah Valley had been plagued by insecurity with civilians bearing the brunt. “Children, women and the elderly are living in fear and uncertainty,” he said.
Awami National Party’s Shireen Afridi, Pakistan People’s Party’s Sher Shah Afridi, Khyber Union’s Murad Saqi, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Zahir Shah Afridi, Asghar Khan Afridi, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s Asadullah Afridi, Jamaat-e-Islami Bara ameer Muhammad Khan and others were present.
The speakers alleged that firing on a peaceful protest had resulted in multiple casualties, saying the bombing in Akakhel claimed 21 lives. “The Bara Siyasi Ittehad has consistently raised its voice for public rights through protests, demonstrations and sit-ins,” Hashim Afridi said.
He added that the government had assured restoration of peace, payment of compensation and the dignified return of displaced persons. “A 24-member committee was formed for Tirah, which entered into several agreements with the government and other institutions,” he said.
Hashim Afridi said the agreements comprised 35 points, including dignified relocation of affectees, financial compensation, a timeline for return and the establishment of sustainable peace. However, he lamented that none of these commitments had been fully implemented.
He alleged serious irregularities in the registration and compensation process, including embezzlement in rent payments, nepotism and the sidelining of genuine victims, raising concerns about transparency.
The speakers demanded that all lists related to compensation and registration be made public. They said insecurity was not only increasing in Tirah but also in Bara, creating widespread fear among residents, particularly in the Akakhel area where the situation remained alarming.
The Bara Siyasi Ittehad warned that if the promises made to affectees were not implemented promptly, it would launch a full-fledged protest movement, including sit-ins, public gatherings and rallies, holding the relevant authorities responsible.
The leaders urged the provincial government, and the administration to ensure immediate implementation of agreements, transparent disbursement of compensation, dignified return of displaced persons and lasting peace in the region.
They called on the media, civil society and human rights organisations to highlight the humanitarian issue and amplify the voices of the affected population. The speakers reiterated that their struggle would remain peaceful and within the constitutional framework. They announced that a tribal jirga would be held on April 25 at the Bara Bazaar to decide the future course of action.
