The Bannu Aman Jirga, a traditional assembly of elders, concluded their meeting at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister's house and presented 11 key demands aimed at improving security and stability in the region.
The jirga, representing local concerns, voiced strong opposition to Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and called for more effective measures to address the Taliban presence.
Key Demands
Operation Azm-e-Istehkam: The jirga voiced its opposition to the recently announced military operation and said it was not acceptable.
Elimination of Taliban presence: The jirga emphasized the need to eliminate both good and bad Taliban and their centres.
Enhanced police powers: They demanded that police patrolling units be granted more authority at night, including the power to take immediate action during their operations.
Respect for civilian spaces: There was a strong plea against the desecration of schools and homes during search operations, highlighting the anger and unrest among local residents due to such practices.
Restrictions on Taliban movement: The jirga insisted on stringent measures to curb the movement of the Taliban and called for decisive action against them.
Local administrative authority: It was demanded that local administrations be empowered to act against Taliban as soon as they're sighted.
Addressing missing persons: They urged the authorities to produce the missing persons and related records in court, seeking transparency and justice for affected families.
Strengthening law enforcement: There was a call to increase the capacity of the police force and activate both police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to combat terrorism more effectively.
Targeted CTD operations: The jirga demanded only CTD carry out operations against the Taliban to dismantle their networks.
Medical treatment for injured police: It was proposed that police personnel injured in terrorist incidents receive treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Access to Juma Khan Road: They requested that Juma Khan Road in Bannu not be closed and kept open for public.
