A
lengthy queue in a barren land void of shade was seen with little children, old
men and youngsters waiting to receive food supplies from one morning to the
next. The tribal’s of North Waziristan, famous for throwing grand dinner
parties, especially in Ramzan, were bearing up with 42 degrees temperatures to
receive goods for their survival. a total of 36904 families and 4570481
internally displaced individuals registered as per PDMA have walked for miles
from North Waziristan in the scorching heat to reside in Bannu city and FR
Bannu. These IDPs are mostly tribal from Dawarh tribe,Mir Ali and some Wazirs
from Utmanzai tribe. The State of Pakistan resisted foreign pressure for quite
some time and tried to avoid a full-scale military operation in North
Waziristan because of a host of concerns and apprehensions but the authorities
ultimately had to take a bitter decision for the sake of security and very
survival of the country.
The
military announced on June 15, 2014, that it had launched the long awaited
operation in the North Waziristan tribal agency on the Pakistan-Afghanistan
border, displacing nearly one million people from their homes. The operation
has been named Zarb-e-Azb, referring to the sword of the Prophet Muhammad. The
local non-militants picked up some cash, livestock and a few belongings and
started walking or requesting for rides to reach Bannu as soon as they could.
Registration Points have been set up at the checkpoints with NADRA mobile
registration points as well. At district Bannu, a relief camp has also been
established to work under PDMA.
The
closest settled area to North Waziristan is the District Bannu. A large amount
of those Wazirs who educated themselves and are well off compared to others
from South Waziristan and North Waziristan have been shifting to Bannu to stay
close to their village serving as doctors, businessmen etc for around 100-200
years now. South Waziristan, North Waziristan and Birmal Afghanistan are
divided in terms of administration but considered the same belt with people
having a relation with each other and extended families. These tribals live
under a strict code of conduct defined. The code of conduct classifies the
privacy of women, equal respect to all tribal people and hospitality as its
major portion.
The IDPs refusing to go to the camps set up at Union
Council Bakakhel shifted to schools, colleges, madrassas, mosques, rented
houses, hospitals and many were given space by the Bannu residents but due to
smaller space and larger population, there are around 14-15 people residing in
one room. The main reasons for the IDPs
not
to shift to the camps include the privacy of women affected as per their
tradition, the blazing weather at that time disturbing the health of children
specially and the lack of electricity, water and gas facilities in camps.
Regrettably, this entire course of action has affected the residents of Bannu
as well with so many people entering unexpectedly blocking the roads and Bannu
already facing a major load shedding issue. There has been a silent rift
previously going on between residents of Bannu, Wazirs and Dawarh upon which
some elders have decided to make committees of IDPs with Bannu residents to
work on social harmony between both of them and the committee can solve
disputes that may arise in future including Bannu elders and IDP elders.
A
debate arose on the increasing numbers of IDPs being seven times higher than
the total population of North Waziristan as per the 1998 census. One idea was
famous in start that if a person had registered his 12-member family and his
elder son had registered the same number separately, hence the increase in
number. Although I still cannot confirm the flaw in the registration system
until there is solid evidence, the issue must be looked into. It is possible
that terrorist are escaping by this way.
First
hand information from the IDPs confirmed that they had received Rs.12000 from
Pakistan Army after being registered but at the same time, they were very
frustrated with the discourteous behavior. Tribals consider all equal and feel
insulted when they are forced to make queues while army keeping the previous
experiences in mind need to make sure that no terrorists escape. The solution
is to treat them politely as tribals would do anything if given respect. They
were seen in enormously long rows waiting for food packets to be distributed by
Pakistan Army, WFP, Political parties and some other NGOs, individuals etc. The
IDPs noticeably looked agitated and had unending reasonable complaints.
There
was still a perpetual fear of talibans found between the IDPs. The view of them
on the on-going operation differed from person to person with mostly being in
favor of the operation while some insisting that the terrorists including
Uzbeks left their huge houses with air-conditioners, refrigerators, generators
etc after the second air-strike. The Uzbeks and other terrorists were extremely
aggressive with these innocent non-militants.
Rumors
and conspiracy theories are on a wide-spread in Bannu currently mostly due to
lack of enough coverage and awareness. The most unnoticed individuals in the
whole IDP issue are the children, who were placed in danger, falling victim to
violence, disease, malnutrition and also death as they fled in the scorching
heat. They
may
become separated from their families, placing them at risk of forced
recruitment, human trafficking, hazardous labor and sexual exploitation.
Correct measures must be taken for the protection of the displaced children.
There should be playing areas with shade for the children to exercise their
right to play. Coming towards the solutions, it is an appeal to all political
forces not to politicize the issues and show unity in chalking out a culturally
appropriate systematic plan to help the IDPs and the deadline for this task is
now as it is already too late and there is a lot to be done.It was good move by
Govt. that Prime minister visited the IDP’S and announce a good package for
them.The amount announce by PM is delievered to the IDP’S.
The
IDPs first and foremost requirement is shelter. Populating other people’s two
to three bedroom houses,all the IDPs expect to be provided with tents so they
can set it up in the courtyards with shade and be assured their personal space.
Some solar panels were also seen in different houses in Bannu providing
electricity to around 3 fans. As they don’t cost much, each family could be
provided with a tent and solar panel to at least have a space to cook the food
they are receiving from various platforms. If all political forces, social
workers, humanitarian organizations etc. work in unity, a large sized area with
pre-fabricated houses could also be provided to IDP families as that would keep
them together, have their isolation and keep them safe from heat. Mobile
washrooms are also a major requirement of IDPs. It is good that people of
Pakistan are helping IDPs from start of operation.But I also appeal to Govt. to
take some quick actions for IDPs rehabilitation.Because of the reason that many
student studies are disturbed and even the life of millions people disturbed by
this operation.Operation should be completed as early as possible.IDPs are
suffering in silence and looking at Govt. with a hope. Admire them for leaving
their houses in favor of the entire country and take responsibility of
providing welfare, happiness and comfort to our Pakistani citizens.
