Mass protests resume in Swat and Shangla against spate of terrorism

Swat/Shangla: Residents of Swat’s Charbagh tehsil and Shangla’s Alpuri resumed protests on Friday against the spate of terrorism in the valley and renewed their demand to clamp down on elements involved in shattering peaceful atmosphere.

Gathered under the banner of Swat Qaumi Jirga, elders, youth, and children from different parts of Charbagh tehsil took part in the demonstration, carrying placards inscribed with slogans seeking the restoration of peace in the valley.

During their protest last week at Matta Chowk in the Khwazakhela tehsil of Swat, the protesters had warned that they might take up arms to tackle terrorists if the authorities failed to play their due role.

It was the eighth protest today by the locals since the resurfacing of the terror activities in the month of August. The most recent protest was on Tuesday, after a school van in Charbagh came under gunfire, leaving the driver dead and two children injured.

The incident triggered a protests in several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with thousands taking to the streets to show their resolve against terror.

The protest eventually ended after 40 hours after negotiations with the administration.

The protesters had been demanding the arrest of the culprits behind the attack and warned of marching to Islamabad if authorities failed to meet their demands within 24 hours.

Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Amir Muqam, also turned up at the protest to express solidarity with the demonstrators, while ANP district head Ayoub Asharey, PkMAP leader Mukhtiar Yousafzai, Charbagh elder Naveed Iqbal, Attaullah Jan and other peace activists were also in attendance.

The speakers were of the view that their demonstrations will continue until the elimination of the last terrorist from the valley.

The leaders of the Swat Quami Jirga said more protests would be organised in every part of Swat until durable and complete peace was restored in the valley.

A similar protest took place in the Alpuri area of Shangla. Chanting residents demanded durable peace in the region and condemned the recent resurgence of terrorism in parts of Malakand division.

The protest, which was organised by local civil society body “Shangla Peace Movement” was joined by political leaders from almost all parties, activists, educationists, lawyers, transporters, the youth and students.

They demanded peace and the elimination of terrorism from the Swat valley.