BARA:
The Bara Political Alliance has intensified its protest movement against the worsening displacement crisis in the Tirah Valley and growing insecurity in Bara Akakhel in the Khyber tribal district.
The alliance has convened a grand Afridi jirga on May 2 to finalize a future action plan, including a possible protest in Peshawar.
Alliance President Hasham Khan Afridi told The Express PK Press Club that the displaced families of Tirah are undergoing extreme hardship, while the law and order situation in Bara Akakhel has become alarming. “A united struggle is now inevitable to resolve these issues,” he said. The jirga will bring together the 24 members of the Tirah Committee, elected officials, political and social organizations and members from various backgrounds.
A grand preliminary jirga held on March 30 issued a detailed charter of demands. The provincial government has been asked to immediately implement the 35 points agreed with the 24-member committee. These include a comprehensive strategy for the dignified return of displaced people so that they can resume cultivation on their land, and guaranteed compensation for landowners affected by development projects.
The jirga also demanded that premises be given priority in new police recruitments in Tirah, and that displaced families receive financial assistance without delay in the meantime, including Rs 250,000 and Rs 50,000 per month. Declaring the unrest in Bara Akakhel serious, the jirga called for urgent and effective action from the government.
All political parties, national councils, student groups, doctors’ unions and trader communities have been called upon to ensure full participation in the May 2 jirga to finalize the protest venues and strategy. The declaration reiterated the commitment to constitutional and peaceful means in the fight for rights.
Meanwhile, Akakhel National Council Chairman Khyal Zaman Afridi noted that residents of Kanduri Kalli in Bara have already been forced to migrate due to insecurity, and houses in Alam Kalli have also been damaged. Recording of Akakhel casualties remains incomplete and civilian deaths from drone strikes remain a major concern.
“Meetings with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and concerned officials were held and assurances were given,” Khyal Zaman said. “But if the demands are not met within two days, we will launch protests towards Peshawar. The Akakhel tribe will be at the forefront.”
Sohbat Khan Afridi, spokesperson for the Tirah Victims’ Movement, backed the alliance’s plan, pledging full support for dignified rehabilitation of Tirah victims and an end to the unrest.
Meanwhile, MP Haji Muhammad Iqbal Afridi said all available resources were being used to resolve the problems of the victims. He noted that there was no clear written agreement on the return of victims, urging the 24-member committee to release details for practical action. He added that contacts with the provincial government on the unrest in Bara Akakhel continue, with the hope of improvement soon.
A sit-in protest organized by the Tirah Victims Movement in front of the Bara Press Club continued for 77 consecutive days, with victims demanding their rights.
