2.1 million displaced, says NWFP minister

PESHAWAR - NWFP Minister for Information and Public Relations Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that the number migrant persons had crossed the figure of 2.1 million and warned that it would go further up. Paying tributes to the courageous people of Malakand Division for standing tall amidst hard times, he said the suffering they were facing would bring fruitful results in bringing peace and eradicating militancy from the region.
He was talking to the IDPs and media persons during his visit to Jalozai Camp in District Nowshera on Monday. He remarked, Had the Taliban militants abided by the agreement we wouldnt see such a large number of IDPs.
He said most parts of Buner and Dir districts had been cleared of the militants and operation in the two districts would be completed in coming few days. He also hoped to eliminate the Taliban from the Swat valley within a month, saying that its dwellers would be able to go back to their homes soon afterwards.
While criticising the dual policies of certain political and religious elements such as Jamaat-e-Islami, the minister said it was not a time for political point scoring but all the political, religious and social forces should cooperate with the government in the larger interest of the country, as it was a matter of the survival of the country particularly the Pukhtoon nation. He went on to say that those who were demanding to halt the operation were the supporters of Taliban and should join hands with them.
Mian Iftikhar maintained that the provincial government had raised the issue of Malakand situation, especially Swat valley, on every forum and the media was also cooperating well in that regard that was why the militants had become isolated and deprived of the support of the people as well as political and religious circles. He said for the first time, the army had the full support of the people of every walk of life in its action against the militants. Therefore, it was hoped that the steps taken for bringing peace would surely be successful, he vowed.
During his visit, the minister directed the camp manager to solve the problems of the IDPs immediately so that they might not have any chance of complaint. He said that the purpose of visits of the provincial ministers to the different IDPs camps was to become aware of the affectees problems and taking immediate steps for their redressal. He added that there was no shortage of edibles and non-edibles items and other necessities of life, however a decision had been taken to store all the commodities in godowns for ensuring the just and transparent distribution.
He thanked Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for calling the All Parties Conference (APC) on Malakand situation and expressed the hope that it would bring positive results. He declared that the action launched by the government for bringing lasting peace in Malakand Division and other areas would be continued till the achievement of the objectives and it would be a great day for him when there would be complete peace in the entire province. He assured the IDPs of some good news soon and said that they would be able to go back to their homes with honour.
Agencies add: NWFP Minister for Information and Public Relations Mian Iftikhar Hussain has made it clear that the government is trying its best to end the operation at the earliest.
Iftikhar Hussain informed the journalists during his visit to Jalozai Camp that the area from Daggar to Dir had been cleared and people could return back to their homes after restoration of power supply.
He said over 200 families had moved hack to their homes in Bajaur and more families would follow the suite. He said Rs25,000 had been provided to each migrant family while the same amount is being provided to IDPs at the time of their return.
He further informed about the instructions to IGP NWFP asking him to send police back to the areas, which had been cleared of the miscreants by the security forces.
Responding to a question, he said the NWFP government was not expecting such a large number of IDPs having no intention to start operation in Swat. He said the provincial government was sincere in its efforts of reconciliation while signing Nizam-e-Adl Regulation (NAR).
He again made it clear that the operation was started after the violation of NAR by the other side, adding the government was optimistic of peace after signing the NAR but miscreants entered in Buner, Dir and Mingora and started killing the security forces personnel.
Talking about the political leadership, he said it was taken into confidence at the provincial level before signing the NAR and starting the operation.
The NWFP minister also pointed to fact that the government agencies had the necessary goods but there were difficulties to deliver them to the affected people and said the government was aware of the problems being faced by IDPs.
The minister said the government had tried for peace in Swat but the militants violated the agreement.