PESHAWAR – Elders of the Meshud tribe have agreed to restart the repatriation process to South Waziristan, suspended for nearly six months, from April 30 after security assurances given by the Pakistan Army.
However, the displaced Meshuds are still reluctant to return to South Waziristan in the prevailing circumstances and want to wait and see until the revival of routine life in their native areas, some tribesmen told Pakistan Today.
The killing of a young Mehsud tribesman in Chagmalai area of South Waziristan by the security forces on suspicion of being a militant is one of the concerns of the people, who are avoiding going back, they said. The abduction of a prominent Mehsud elder, Maulana Asamuddin, from Tank and the killing of Sardar Amanuddin, chief of Shamankhel, a sub-tribe of Mehsud, are the latest irritants compelling the tribesmen to review their decision.
They said that they would like to return, but to a peaceful environment. The security forces and political administration should ensure stability and security in the region before they returned. One of the tribal source said the young man who was killed mistakenly was compensated financially, but the incident had seriously affected the rehabilitation process, as the people do not want to be displaced again.
Once everything becomes normal, everyone would voluntarily move back, the source said. Talking to a jirga in the compound of Tank political agent, Brigadier Shahid Mehmood appreciated the role of the people of South Waziristan in government’s efforts against militancy, saying the safe and dignified return of Mehsud people was the army’s top priority.
He said the damaged infrastructure had been revived by the army in the affected areas, while a medical team of Pakistan Army was also present in the area to provided medical care to the returning Mehsuds. Brig Shahid said Mehsuds had proved their patriotism by working with the army and political administration.
Laddha Assistant Political Agent Jamal Azmat said the returning people would be provided ration for six months, tents and other basic items free of cost.
