MIRANSHAH:
Ongoing unrest in North Waziristan’s Shewa Tehsil region has turned into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with many villages now completely abandoned and new waves of displacement accelerating from surrounding areas.
Local sources report that after residents of Drozanda, Alam Khel, Malu Khel and Anar Khel fled, families from nearby villages are quickly heading to Bannu, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar and other relatively safe districts.
Eyewitnesses describe a haunting scene: the doors of houses close, the streets are eerily silent. A young local resident said: “In all my life, I have never seen such a sight. Entire villages were emptied; only one or two people stay behind to take care of the livestock and empty houses.
Shewa Tehsil was once one of the relatively peaceful pockets of North Waziristan. Residents traditionally relied on agriculture, livestock, and small businesses, and the region was known for its simplicity and tribal harmony. Even during the major military operations that followed after 2014, Shewa suffered less disruption than many neighboring areas and life returned to normal relatively quickly.
However, the situation has deteriorated significantly over the past year. Residents cite a sharp increase in targeted killings and activities by banned groups as the main factors pushing the region toward instability.
The head of a displaced family described his fear: “Every night, before going to sleep, we wondered if we would wake up safe in the morning. Children’s education has been interrupted, markets are closed and fear reigns everywhere.
Women were particularly affected. One woman said: “When we left our homes, we could only take the essentials; everything else has been left behind. We don’t know when or if we will be able to return.
The destruction of a key bridge over the Kurram River by an explosion further aggravated the crisis, cutting connectivity between several villages, disrupting travel and reinforcing the feeling of insecurity.
In response, Kabul Khel tribal elders and other tribal leaders held a jirga with security officials to discuss the deteriorating situation. Elders made it clear that people are living in acute fear and uncertainty and that immediate action is essential.
A tribal leader said after the jirga: “We told the authorities in clear terms: either he restores peace or he gives us a clear plan so that we can protect our people. »
Security officials ensured the convening of a high-level jirga and the formulation of a comprehensive strategy.
Significantly, former locals and those who have already left their homes announced their support for a possible operation against terrorists in the evacuated villages. However, they stressed that the lives and property of civilians must be fully protected during any action and that concrete measures must be taken for the dignified return of displaced families.
A displaced young man said: “We want peace. If surgery is the only solution, we will not object, but we must have the opportunity to return home with honor. »
