PESHAWAR — A mass exodus is underway from Mamund subdivision as the peace jirga deadlock in Bajaur continues, raising fears of a looming military operation.
Dozens of families have fled their homes, leaving behind livelihoods and possessions amid rising tensions between security forces and the hardline militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who refuse to vacate civilian areas, as visible on social media.
The jirga, comprising political elders, tribal leaders, and religious scholars, was formed to negotiate a peaceful resolution and prevent military action in Mamund. However, the absence of a clear plan of action and failure to reach consensus on critical issues have pushed talks toward collapse. Security forces have demanded that armed groups withdraw from residential zones, but militants have steadfastly refused, escalating the risk of a forced operation.
The unrest follows a targeted military operation launched a week ago against terrorists in Bajaur. Despite the jirga’s efforts to mediate with Taliban fighters, no significant breakthrough has been achieved. Local elders have informed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and senior military leadership of the stalled negotiations, warning of deepening local concerns.
In Salarzai tehsil, the jirga, with strong participation from local tribes, issued a statement asserting that the situation in Salarzai remains stable and free of terrorists or their collaborators, rendering any military operation unjustified. The jirga firmly opposed forced or undeclared military action, pledging strong resistance and warning of severe public backlash if peace is disrupted.
“The people of Bajaur are united in their demand for peace,” said a tribal elder, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We will not allow our homes to become battlegrounds. The government must listen to us and avoid actions that displace our people.”
The fear of violence has driven a significant number of residents to flee, particularly from Mamund, as the specter of military action looms. Families are relocating to safer areas, leaving behind their homes, farms, and businesses. For many, farming is the sole source of income, and the jirga has demanded government consultation on crop harvesting policies, including compensation for affected farmers.
Tribal leaders have also announced plans for a grand jirga in Salarzai, representing all local tribes, to formulate a unified national policy and strategy. They warned that any deterioration of peace due to government negligence or interference would prompt decisive action from the Baramduk tribes and stakeholders.
As residents anxiously await decisions from the provincial government, military authorities, and tribal elders, the ongoing deadlock continues to fuel uncertainty. The mass exodus underscores the growing desperation among locals caught between the threat of violence and the hope for a peaceful resolution.
