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IDPs of Pakistan's Waziristan start repatriation

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Dec 5, IRNA -- Repatriation of the thousands of tribesmen displaced as a result of the military operation against the Taliban militants in South Waziristan tribal region started on Saturday under tight security, officials said.

Thousands of tribesmen had fled Waziristan after Pakistani forces launched a major ground and air offensive against Taliban in October last year.

A large number of tribesmen had left their houses even before the operation as Taliban militants had taken control of the areas especially controlled by Mehsud tribe.

The Pakistan army announced victory over the militants earlier this year. Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani had visited the area and announced support to the tribesmen.

Most of the displaced tribesmen had taken shelter in the nearby Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and Bannu cities while several shifted to Peshawar, the capital of northwest Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province.

The army had earlier announced to start repatriation in March this year but the process could not be started after Taliban militants had warned the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) against return.

An official of South Waziristan said that tight security arrangements have been made for the peaceful repatriation of the IDPs in groups.

Assistant Political Agent, Muhammad Jamal Azmat, said that 200 IDPs would be sent back to their houses in the first phase on Saturday. He said that the government has provided transport to the returning IDPs, adding that only those IDPs would be repatriated who have registered themselves with the authorities.

Witnesses said that troops provided escort to the IDPs in view of concern over Taliban attacks.

In the first phase, the IDPs of seven villages of Mehsud tribe will return to their hometowns. Special centers were opened for the IDPs where they would be gathered for registration before their dignified return.

An affected family would be provided six months ration and 25, 000 rupees (approx. $320) in cash besides free transport, he said. Azmat said the “writ of the Government has been established in South Waziristan Agency and complete security would be provided to the dislocated people”.

Taliban militants have warned the IDPs not to return as they can stuck up in their attacks on security forces.

**1771
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30107607