Curfew persists in Wana after deadly clashes

PESHAWAR: Situation in Wana, South Waziristan is still tense following clashes on late Sunday evening between Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) workers and militants from the Peace Committee which led to deaths of five people and injuries to over 30 on both sides.

A curfew imposed on Sunday is currently in effect throughout Wana and surrounding areas, causing routine activities in the area grinding to halt.

In Moghalkhel village on outskirts of Wana, one person identified as Hafizur Rahman was allegedly shot dead by security forces on the grounds of curfew hours violation.

PTM leaders say they lost three workers in the clash with over 30 injured who have been shifted to Wana and Dera Ismael Khan Hospitals for treatment while another four have been moved to Peshawar.

Among the injured is journalist Arif Wazir who is PTM leader Ali Wazir’s cousin. Arif Wazir is reportedly in a safe place. PTM leaders have alleged that many of their workers are also missing but no further details on the matter have yet been provided.

On the other hand, two individuals from the Peace Committee, a government loyal militia group, were killed in the clashes. In addition, Peace Committee commander Ainullah’s house was set on fire by PTM workers though he escaped unhurt. Reports suggest that the militants are consolidating their positions for another attack on Ali Wazir’s house.

In a bid to protect Ali Wazir, security forces have been deployed near his home and a large number of his close relatives are also on alert. Ali Wazir had announced that he would contest elections for a National Assembly seat from South Waziristan as an independent candidate.

PTM activists and supporters from the rest of the country especially from Peshawar, Dera Ismael Khan and other areas organised a protest against the Wana clashes.

Elders from different sub clans of Ahmadzai Wazir met with the political agent and other high ranking officers for resolving the issue. After holding talks with officials, the Jirga proceeded to the outskirts of Wana for holding talks with activists of PTM as well as relatives of Ali Wazir.

Meanwhile, protests against frequent targeted killings in different parts of North Waziristan continue in both Miranshah and Mirali towns on third consecutive.

Amid continue protest against targeted killings in Miranshah and Mirali, another civilian was shot dead by unknown persons in Hamzooni village. Hasham Khan’s house was attacked by three unknown persons on the midnight between Sunday and Monday. He was shot dead when he came out of his house. The suspects, identities of whom are currently unknown, escaped the crime scene.