PESHAWAR: A curfew was re-imposed in Wana, South Waziristan after a break of several hours as security forces refused to replace the Peace Committee squads by joint squads of Frontier Corps and Jirga nominees for the security of the Bazaar.
In light of Tuesday’s late night decision, civil administration announced lifting of curfew in Wana bazaar early Wednesday morning. However, the Frontier Corps did not depute security personnel to help the elders from the 120-member traditional tribal Jirga of Ahmadzai Wazir to chalk out a strategy for Bazaar security.
Consequently, tribal elders held discussions with Frontier Corps officials and later announced that security forces were insisting on following the March 2007 agreement according to which only the Peace Committee would be responsible for maintaining peace and security of Wana bazaar. Civil administration then announced a re-imposition of the curfew and Peace Committee members refused to vacate their check posts and other positions across Wana.
Reports of the aforementioned incident were reported by local media but have not yet been confirmed or denied by civil administration or the security forces.
Routine life was again disrupted after the curfew was re-imposed as people rushed back to their homes.
The curfew was imposed on Sunday afternoon in response to clashes between Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and armed men of the Peace Committee that killed at least five and injured dozens more on both sides.
Reports suggest that members of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribal Jirga have decided to hold talks in Peshawar with senior civil and military authorities to help douse hostilities between PTM and the Peace Committee.
PTM has demanded the transfer of security duties from the Peace Committee to security personnel throughout South Waziristan. On Tuesday night, PTM leader Mohsin Dawar alleged via social media that militants had again attacked Ali Wazir’s house in Wana, however, this could not be confirmed by the authorities.
Civil authorities claim that efforts are currently underway to resolve the tensions and expect both sides to surrender those responsible for Sunday’s clashes. Notices have also been issued to Ali Wazir and his close relatives in this respect.
