In one of the infrequent pictures that the region could witness, hundreds of native inhabitants stormed a massive peace march in Mirali Tehsil of Pakistan’s North Waziristan. The protest aimed to call for an end to ongoing violence. And turmoil that has gripped this region, said a daily based in Pakistan, Dawn.
On Sunday, participants staged a colorful march through the streets of Mirali Bazaar. With participants waving white flags, showing large banners and placards, and raising slogans for peace.Mufti Baitullah organized the rally of the Utmanzai Jirga tribe. It was announced during a meeting on August 12. Besides the Utmanzai Jirga leaders, local political alliance, and members of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement also participated in the demonstration and raised their voices for peace and justice.
He voiced the sentiments of the protesters by highlighting that the agreement clearly stated that the state was responsible for maintaining peace in the area. However, it had failed to live up to these commitments time. And again, pushing the people to take to the streets in protest. The rally aimed to address the deteriorating law and order situation in North Waziristan. Also asked for effective management of local resources.
The Dawn report further went on to reveal that the protesters have given an ultimatum of September 15. During which the government is to act on the protests. The protesters have warned of scaling up the campaign if the government does not respond adequately by September 15. The agitators indicated they would escalate the fight further if their demands were not met.
Incidentally, the situation in Mirali Tehsil, Pakistan’s North Waziristan, has been deteriorating over the past few years. Targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, assaults on security forces, and police personnel by misguided militants have markedly increased over the years. On the very day of the rally, a targeted killing incident resulted in one person’s death. And another’s injury in Mirali.
The incident of July 2024 is similar to what happened wherein South Waziristan. The residents say they have suffered from targeted violence and extortion. The international community, like the systemic targeted killings and military operations of the Pakistan armed forces, continues to focus its attention on the region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The continued unrest only puts more emphasis on the need to introduce practical ways to bring peace back. And establish order in these conflict-wracked areas.
ANI
