Bajaur — The ongoing Military Operation in Bajaur sparked outrage after artillery strikes killed three civilians, including two children, in Mamund tehsil. Residents blocked the main road, carried the bodies to the road, and staged a sit-in. They demanded answers from the government and military authorities, questioning why innocent civilians were targeted.
Political leaders and civil society representatives held an emergency jirga at the Bajaur Press Club. They condemned the artillery strike as unacceptable and demanded immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations.
Protesters stressed that the government must protect citizens’ lives and property. They warned that demonstrations could escalate across the district if authorities ignored their demands.
The jirga released a statement asserting that tribes will respond strongly to any future violations of civilian safety.
Also Read: Military Operation in Bajaur: Civilians Killed, Families Displaced, Elders Demand Accountability
Curfew, Displacement Camps, And Relief Measures
Security forces imposed a three-day curfew in 27 areas of Mamund tehsil and struck suspected militant hideouts with helicopter gunships.
The district administration restricted movement on main roads from 11am to 11pm and urged residents to stay indoors. Local elders in Salarzai pledged during a jirga to resist militant activity and deny sanctuary to armed groups.
Authorities set up displacement camps at the Bajaur Sports Complex and local schools for residents leaving affected areas. Health teams provided medical aid, and officials offered free transport to safe locations.
Over 1,000 families, totaling 6,607 individuals, suffered from the Military Operation in Bajaur, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and Planning Saeedullah Jan.
Among them are 1,497 men, 1,552 women, and 3,558 children. A makeshift camp at the sports stadium hosts 334 families (2,497 people). Authorities are registering about 20,000 host-community families.
The provincial government approved a relief package, giving 50,000 rupees to each family upon relocation and an additional 25,000 rupees after completing operations. Officials will disburse funds promptly after verification.
Also Read: Bajaur Military Operation Fears Trigger Mass Displacement
Operation Expected to Improve Regional Security
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the Military Operation in Bajaur will significantly improve security in the province’s southern districts.
He noted that police foiled a major terrorist attack targeting a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl rally in Peshawar on 12 August and stopped another planned attack in Kohat during Muharram.
Police used anti-drone technology for the first time and shot down two drones in Bannu. Hamid added that security forces dismantled militant presence in Malakand.
He confirmed that authorities removed militant checkpoints on motorways and highways, making travel from Dera Ismail Khan to Quetta safe.
