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Jirga warns against Waziristan attacks

By Iqbal Khattak

PESHAWAR: A 45-member tribal jirga has warned pro-Taliban militant commanders against attacks on government officials and killings in North Waziristan.

The warning was sounded at a meeting between the jirga members and militant commanders two days ago at an undisclosed location in North Waziristan, a jirga member told Daily Times on Thursday. He said the government had taken serious notice of an attack on an official’s vehicle near Miranshah on December 22 and various killings.

“We have told the militant commanders that such things can lead to misunderstandings and they should understand the gravity of the situation,” said the jirga member. The militant commanders denied involvement in the attack on the Mir Ali assistant political agent’s vehicle and other killings in the area, he added.

“We are ready to help if the government steps forward with a request or an appeal,” said the militant commanders. “We cannot be blamed for others’ crimes.” The militant commanders were asked to issue press statements condemning incidents of violence. It was not known whether the meeting also took up alleged cross-border movements.

NWFP Governor Ali Jan Orakzai also held a meeting with the jirga members in Peshawar on Saturday, stressing a detailed review of the September 5 peace accord with tribal elders to remove bottlenecks, if any.

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