Bajaur district authorities have ordered an evacuation as targeted military operation is set to begin in the area on Saturday.
Authorities have told the residents of 26 villages in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund techies to evacuate area till August 16. Areas include Choohtra, Damadola, Inam Khoro Chinagi, Agra, Malangi and Sapary. Military to conduct operation in Dawowgi, Mena Sulman Khail Khoorchai, Zagai, Gat and Agra. Residents of Gondai, Zari, Nakhtat, Mula Kalley, Bakaroo, Gohati, Chimialoo, Lar Kalan and Bar Kalan will also leave their homes.
Residents have also staged a sit-in, calling for the protection of civilians during the military operation. Held at Umary Chowk on the Inayat Kallay-Laghari Road, a large number of people participated in the protest, which was later ended after negotiations.
The military operation is starting after talks among the Bajaur Amn Jirga, security officials, and militants failed. The Jirga attempted to mediate between security officials and militants but could not reach a conclusion.
A media report quoting sources claimed that nine militants had already been killed during the ongoing operation in Bajaur’s mountainous areas. “The operation, based on credible intelligence, involves both ground and aerial assets to neutralise the terrorist presence and was conducted in the Damadola area.” However, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not issued any statement on the development.
Evacuation and Registration:
District authorities are initiating registration process today for families displaced by the operation. A registration centre has been established at the Utman Khail complex in Qazafi for this purpose. The authorities have also established a camp in Bajaur’s district headquarters, Khar, for the internally displace person.
Nadra and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) will provide financial assistance of Rs75,000 to each displaced family. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has already approved Rs.5 billion relief fund for affectees. Each family will receive Rs50,000 for their arrival and Rs25,000 for transportation to facilitate their return. Displaced families will receive the package regardless of whether they were staying in relief camps or with relatives.
