LANDIKOTAL: All government and private educational institutions in Circle-I of Landikotal tehsil, Khyber district, were closed on Monday as members of the Zakhakhel Amn Committee intensified the protest against rising incidents of targeted killings following the recent killing of two local residents.
The decision was taken by tribal elders and members of the Zakhakhel Jirga in the Sultankhel area amid growing concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation.
The latest unrest erupted after unidentified gunmen killed two men, including a soldier who was home on Eid leave, in a targeted attack on Friday night.
According to local sources, members of the Zakhakhel Amn Committee closed all government and private boys’ and girls’ primary, middle, and high schools in Circle-I of Landikotal. Students were sent back home, and educational activities were suspended until further notice.
A government primary school teacher told this correspondent that armed committee members entered schools and ordered students to leave.He said Education Department officials had also instructed teachers to remain present at schools during official duty hours and avoid any confrontation with protesters.
“The committee members took children out of schools and told them not to return until the situation improves,” the teacher said.Private educational institutions were also shut down as part of the protest campaign. Another teacher said many parents had already stopped sending their children to school due to fears of violence and possible clashes.
“Parents are worried about the security situation and do not want to risk their children’s safety,” he added.The Amn Committee said the closure of schools and other government-related activities was aimed at drawing attention to the worsening security situation and demanding protection for local residents in Landikotal.
Committee leaders maintained that peace and security must be restored before normal life can resume.They warned that if their demands were not addressed, they would continue boycotting government services, educational activities, and anti-polio campaigns in the area.
Meanwhile, volunteers of the committee were seen stopping motorcyclists at various points and restricting their movement within Landikotal.The protest movement also received political backing. Addressing the ongoing sit-in, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Iqbal Afridi, announced his full support for the protesters’ demands and assured them of every possible cooperation.
He urged residents of Jamrud, Landikotal, and Bara to set aside differences and demonstrate unity in the interest of peace and stability.The MNA stressed the need to convene jirgas and adopt a collective strategy to address the region’s challenges.
Iqbal Afridi said a larger and more organized protest movement was necessary to secure public rights and resolve growing security concerns.He called upon tribal elders, community leaders, and residents to remain united in their efforts for lasting peace.
The protest followed increasing public anger over targeted killings and militant violence in the region, with residents demanding immediate and effective measures from the government to ensure the protection of civilians and restore normalcy in the tribal district.
