Tribal elders in NW Pakistan asked to check militant operation

Expressing concern over the increased militant attacks on polio workers in Pakistan's restive northwestern region, the local administration today warned the tribal elders that action will be taken against them if they don't check the activities of militants.
Political Agent of Bajaur Agency Mohammad Yahya Akoon Zada said this during a condolence meeting to pay tribute to political leader Sahib Zada Khan and three other security men who died in a roadside bomb explosion in Salarzai area while inspecting the security arrangements for the anti-polio campaign last week.
The political agent said the administration was committed to ensure peace in the region and all possible means were being used for the purpose as peace and normalcy was necessary for sustainable development of the agency.

Senior officials of the security forces and local administration including Pakistan Army Commander North sector Brigadier Mohammad Zia-ul-Islam, and Assistant political Agent Sohil Ahmad Khan attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion Assistant Political Agent Sohail Ahmad Khan said that the administration and security forces have fulfilled their responsibility of restoring peace and writ of the government and now it's the duty of tribal elders to maintain peace in their areas.
"The administration won't tolerate such incidents in the region in future and would take necessary action to keep free the area of the militants, the elders failed to maintain peace in their areas", Sohail said.

He asked the elders and members of peace committees to stay alert to thwart militant attacks in the agency.
He also asked the elders to motivate the tribals of their areas for improving their anti militant activities. He stressed the need of forging unity and establishing good working relation among the local people for the maintaining of peace in their areas.