Pakistan IDPs unwilling to return homes
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, June 9, IRNA -- Hundreds of thousands of people who had been displaced as the result of military operation in Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region are unwilling to return despite several attempts by army and local administration.
Some 30,000 troops conducted major offensive against the Taliban militants in South Waziristan in October last year and the army declared victory earlier this month.
The army chief in his visit to the region in February had announced that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will start returning homes in April but the IDPs have refused to go back over security concerns, tribesmen said.
The administration in South Waziristan has held several jirgas, or council of elders, to seek their help in encouraging the IDPs to return homes but all efforts are failed.
There are several reasons which hinder the repatriation of tribesmen including the return of militants to South Waziristan from North Waziristan and destruction of their houses. The militants have left North Waziristan amid reports of a possible operation against the militants.
Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq has said that the militants have returned to South Waziristan, asking the IDPs not to return as the militants will soon launch attacks on the forces. He said that if the IDPs returned they will again have to leave the area due to the possible fighting.
Member of Parliament from South Waziristan, Senator Saleh Shah, says that funds for the IDPs have been misused and the displaced people are reluctant to return due to lack of facilities.
The last week killing of a former tribal lawmaker Maulana Mirajuddin near Waziristan by unidentified men has also affected the possible return of the IDPs as the incident has gripped the area into fear. Some families, who were willing to return, are now refusing to return.
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