KP’s Apex Committee: No military operation, only CTD, police to take action against terror groups

 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Apex Committee, which was convened by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, after the end of the meeting, has issued a joint declaration which made it clear that no military operation was being carried out in the province, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

KP’s Apex Committee meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur while members of Aman Jirga and key officers and officials of police, CTD and Army were present on the occasion. During the meetings, all the demands of Aman Jirga were deliberated in detail and later their demands were accepted.

According to the declaration, it was agreed by all the participants and concerned departments that only CTD and police would take action against terror groups in the province. CTD will take action in sensitive areas and in seminaries in the province. However, in bordering areas, police will get the help of the military.

According to the declaration, police were directed to take indiscriminate action against armed groups. To restore peace, additional support will be provided to the southern districts force from the existing personnel and vehicles on a priority basis. Priority will be given to southern districts in new jobs.

It was clarified that the people of tribal districts are dependent on trade with Afghanistan. Trade activities will also be allowed on all traditional borders in Bajaur and Mohmand districts including Torkham, Kharlachi, Angorada and Ghulam Khan border checkposts. To discourage smuggling, the federal government will be requested to employ local people. During the Apex Committee meeting, it was agreed that an application would be moved to the judiciary for the formation of an inquiry into the Bannu incident.

Misunderstandings sometimes arise between people and institutions, which need immediate resolution. The committees will be set up at the level of every commissioner, which will comprise public representatives, civil, military and police representatives. In case of emergency, an immediate jirga meeting will be convened to avoid such incidents.

The Apex Committee endorsed that peaceful protest was the constitutional right of every citizen but it was also the duty of every citizen to abide by the law and code of conduct. The violent protests should be avoided so that non-state elements do not use it for their vested interests. Army, Police and other defence organizations and locals have made huge sacrifices for the eradication of terrorism therefore, the protestors should avoid such slogans that hurt the families of the martyrs. It was also clarified that some elements unnecessarily criticized the government institutions, which hurt the hearts of the officers and soldiers. The Apex Committee made it clear that there is no room for this kind of attitude.

Earlier, Aman Jirga said that the Apex Committee has accepted the demands of the protestors. Provincial Minister Pakhtun Yar claimed that Chief Minister has already accepted 16-point demands of the Jirga. He said that Aman Jirga’s concerns were addressed by the members of the Apex Committee.

Reporter: Amir Shahzad