PESHAWAR – In the remote, mountainous expanse of Lower Kurram, villagers refuse to leave their homes as a military operation unfolds around them.
Even as violence escalates and resources dwindle, they remain defiant, caught in a deepening standoff between survival and state security. The region, long a battleground for conflict, now finds itself at the heart of yet another struggle—one where displacement is not an option for those who call it home.
On 21 February, the streets of Bagan and Mandori in Lower Kurram echoed with chants of resistance. Hundreds of residents, fresh from Friday prayers, gathered to protest the military operation targeting suspected militants in their villages. Their message was clear: they would not be displaced. “We reject this displacement,” declared one protester. ” If they push us out, we will set up camp at Tor Ghar and block the Thall-Parachinar road until our demands are met.”
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The demonstrators, many of whom have endured years of conflict, condemned the government’s failure to hold accountable those responsible for a violent incursion into Bagan on November 22, 2024. They demanded justice for the looting and destruction of their marketplace, a lifeline for the community.
Military Crackdown Intensifies
On the other side of the divide, security forces are waging a campaign across Lower Kurram, Hangu, and Kohat. Regional Police Officer Abbas Majid Marwat is leading efforts to dismantle “militant” networks, with dozens of suspects already in custody. “We have apprehended individuals linked to attacks on convoys, food supply theft, and arson,” Marwat said. “Bounties have been placed on key terrorist masterminds, and operations in the mountainous regions remain in full force.”
In a series of coordinated raids, security forces detained 30 individuals—18 identified as militants and 12 suspected accomplices. Officials argue that such measures are essential to restoring stability, but for residents, the crackdown feels like collective punishment.
A Region on the Brink of Disaster
The military operation has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis in Lower Kurram. For five months, the main Thal-Parachinar highway has been blocked, severing communities from essential supplies. Food, medicine, and fuel are in critically short supply. “We have been without petrol and diesel for three months,” lamented a local elder. “Our families are starving, and children are falling ill due to the lack of medicine.” Communications have collapsed, with internet and mobile networks disrupted, leaving residents isolated and unable to reach loved ones. In Mandori, a sit-in protest continues, with elders vowing to remain until relief supplies are delivered.
Divided Tribal Leadership
The unrest has exposed deep divisions among the Lower Kurram tribal leaders. While some condemn the protests, citing violations of Section 144 and incendiary rhetoric, others argue that years of state neglect have left people with no alternative but to resist. “Three convoys were attacked in Bagan,” a tribal elder noted. “Over 100 people were killed, yet no action was taken. How can we trust the government now?”
Government Unveils New Security Strategy
In response to the rising tensions, an emergency high-level meeting in Peshawar resulted in a new security strategy. Officials announced plans to evacuate and clear four villages—Ochat, Mandori, Dad Kamar, and Bagan—to prevent further bloodshed. “We will first conduct search operations,” a senior official stated. ” Illegal bunkers will be dismantled, and those responsible for unrest will be placed on Schedule IV.” The government has also temporarily halted the distribution of relief funds, a move that has further fueled frustration among residents already grappling with shortages and displacement.
An Unending Conflict
As security forces intensify their crackdown, Lower Kurram remains a battleground. On Monday, unknown gunmen ambushed a convoy carrying food supplies, firing indiscriminately. At least one security officer was killed, while seven others, including a young girl, sustained injuries. Video footage showed masked men looting trucks before setting them ablaze. In retaliation, military gunships launched counterstrikes, targeting suspected militant hideouts. The extent of casualties remains unknown, but the fear of further bloodshed looms large.
For the people of Lower Kurram, the battle is no longer just between militants and the state—it is a struggle for survival. As homes burn and supply lines remain choked, one question persists: how much longer can they endure?
