The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has directed the elders of Kurram to hand over the culprits and facilitators of the January 4 attack. It was decided in a high-level meeting that if there is a lack of cooperation in handing over the criminals, a clearance operation may require the temporary relocation of the local population.
A high-level meeting was held in Kohat to address the situation in Kurram. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, and other senior officials. Several important decisions were made during the session.
According to the official statement, tribal elders who signed the Kurram peace agreement will be held accountable for its implementation. Cases under anti-terrorism laws will be filed against all those involved in the January 4 attack, including those who facilitated or encouraged it.
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Strict Actions Against Non-Cooperation
The meeting decided that, in addition to arresting the culprits, their names will be added to the Schedule Four list. The participants stated that elders have been asked to hand over the culprits and facilitators of the attack. If they fail to comply, all forms of compensation and aid will be withheld. Disciplinary actions will also be taken against government officials found to be supporting sectarian unrest. Lawbreakers will face stern actions.
The official statement further noted that if the handover of culprits is not ensured, clearance operations may necessitate the temporary relocation of the population. Additionally, bounties will be announced for the capture of various wanted individuals.
Steps to Restore Law and Order
The meeting also decided to take strict measures to arrest the culprits. Security measures will be tightened on the Tall-Parachinar Road and Tora Warai-Shasho routes. Food convoys will be sent to Kurram promptly, and curfew restrictions will be enforced during their movement. Anyone carrying weapons under Section 144 will be considered a terrorist.
The District Police Officer (DPO) Kurram will be equipped with riot control gear, female police officers, and other necessary resources. The police will remove illegal blockades and gatherings on the Tall-Parachinar Road. Additional personnel will be deployed for security on the route, and other law enforcement agencies, including the Frontier Corps (FC), will assist as needed.
Context of the January 4 Attack
On January 4, unidentified assailants opened fire in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram, injuring the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kurram and seven others. A food convoy heading to Kurram after three months was blocked during the incident.
According to initial reports received by the government, the assailants fired at the DC and official vehicles during the negotiations. Barrister Saif stated that the Kurram peace agreement remains intact, but it is premature to conclusively determine local involvement.
Police have arrested two alleged attackers who were named in the FIR. The suspects have been moved to an undisclosed location for further investigation.
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