WANA: Section-144 has been imposed in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan tribal district, for one month keeping in view the law and order situation.

The Wana Camp Road has been closed for all kinds of traffic.

On the other hand, a first information report (FIR) has been lodged against 60 members of Dotani and Zalikhel tribes under Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) over charges of illegal display of arms, raising armed militia, taking positions against each other on mountain tops and houses. For arrest of these persons, checking is underway at all check posts of Wana sub-division.

The deputy commissioner said the arrest of the 60 members of the two tribes will be ensured within 24 hours. He said display of arms and taking position for armed attack against rivals are intolerable acts. He said the security forces have initiated a search operation in Toe Khula area affected from clashes between Dotani and Zalikhel tribes.

District Police Officer (DPO) Shaukat Ali said display of illegal arms, pillion riding, use of tinted glasses, unnecessary announcements on loud-speakers and wall-chalking will remain banned for next one month. He warned of strict action if anyone was found involved in violation of Section-144.

Meanwhile, Saeedullah Khan, an elder from Zalikhel tribe, said his tribe would not back off from its principled stance until the district administration resolves the land dispute with Dotani tribe according to misl (land record file). He said the problem will remain unresolved if the government did not show seriousness.

On February 20, six people reportedly died and several others are injured in clashes between the two tribes.

The district administration had confirmed the death of six persons and injuries to several others in clashes between Zalikhel and Dotani tribes.

Earlier, the activists of different political parties and groups in South Waziristan including Awami National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Pakhtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) and others at a press conference alleged that the government and district administration were responsible for the clashes in Karkanra area as they have been unable to resolve the dispute according to available documents.