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First phase of repatriation: 180 families reach Swat

14 July, 2009

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ISLAMABAD: In the first phase of IDPs repatriation convoys consisting of 149 families from Jelozai camp and 31 families from Charsadda left Landakai area of Swat for Barikot under strict security.

In-charge Jelozai camp Tahir Orakzai told our sources that 733 people of 149 families set off for Barikot from Landakai area on the first day of the repatriation process.

The convoy was led and followed by security forces’ vehicles while aerial surveillance through helicopter was also undertaken.

There was a complete curfew on the routes of the IDPs convoys.

In Charsadda In-charge of Palosa camp Zaigham Khan told our sources that 31 families comprising 160 individuals were sent home to Swat.

Prior to departure, IDPs staged a protest for not receiving cash and refused to return home. However, they later agreed after negotiations.

Meanwhile, Chairman Special Support Group Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed has said that the repatriation of internally displaced people would be completed in 45 days, however, the date can be changed.

Only transportation of IDPs would be allowed to enter in Swat and Buner, he said. Flanked by Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kiara and Director General Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas, he told media men, the area of Swat and Buner is totally clear but the militants can sabotage return of IDPs.

The vehicle of IDPs entering in Swat and Buner would be checked with sniffing dogs and scanners so that no one could transport weapon there, he said, adding that, rare incident of terrorism can take place in Swat and Buner and no army of the world can give complete guarantee of protection.

Answering to a question, he said, some locals have told us that the Taliban raped and killed the women in Swat during the operation.

He said those Police Personnel who did not come to their duties after the announcement of Government have been sacked and fresh recruitment would be made in this respect, he said. Food Programme of UN would give red cards to IDPs so that they could get foods, he said. One month Ration and tent are being given to IDPs, he said.

When asked about damages in war affected areas, he said, UN and Poverty Alleviation Programme of Government of Pakistan would access the damages. Rs. 25,000 is being provided to each eligible family on their return, he said.

We would ensure opening of petrol pumps and medical stores, he said. Luckily, only 4 to 5 houses were affected during the operation Rah-e-Rast in the Malakand division.

Round about 1,16,000 families of Swat and Buner have migrated to different areas after the operation and during first phase IDPs living in camps would be returned.

In second phase, IDPs living in schools would be returned and in third phase IDPs living in their relatives would be returned and in fourth phase IDPs who are living in other Provinces would be returned, he said.

Answering to a question, he said, we would introduce community policing in swat and locals would be recruited in police at salary of Rs. 10,000 to each personnel.

Army would remain in swat till restoration of civil administration, he said. He said there were 2 districts in Swat and now it has 7 districts and the strength of Police would be increased from 9 to 15.

We would also introduce executive magistrate system, besides appoint extra assistant commissioner to resolve people problem at lower level, he said.

We would provide complete security to residents of swat and war affected areas after their return, he said. Replying to a question, he said, army would be deployed in unsettled areas of Swat to stop regrouping of militants or such areas would be monitored on daily basis. We are also holding talks with Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government to get fabricated houses for those who houses were damaged, he said.

When asked about leadership of Taliban, DG ISPR Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said, high value target of militants would be hunted down at all cost. We have information about the death of Taliban commanders but we can confirm until seen their bodies.

Reply to another question, he said, 1600 militants have been killed in the operation Rah-e-Rast, adding that, we are not in contact with Chief banned Tehreek-Nifaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi Maulana Sufi Mohammad.

The militants were planning to sabotage return of IDPs and we have information in this respect, he said. When asked about fleeing of terrorists in Southern Punjab, he said, we have no information in this respect, however, there are some elements having soft corner for such elements. We are looking location for the establishment of Cantonment in Shangla, Kabal and Khawazakhela, he said.

When asked about slow pace of operation, he said, "It is not right. We have lost our 125 soldiers and it is propaganda of western media".

Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kiara has said that the talks with militants were possible if they lay down arms and renounce violence. He said US drone strikes in country’s tribal areas is against country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and we have concern if are proving fruitful for US.

End.

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