PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): A fresh wave of insurgency in Pakistan’s northwestern valley of Swat has triggered an angry protest from local residents and political figures.
Many people, including elders, youth and political activists took to the streets in Matta sub-district on Friday, calling for the restoration of peace in the picturesque region.
Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement head Manzoor Pashteen, lawmaker Mohsin Dawar, representatives of political parties and area elders asked the state to stop militants in their tracks.
Speakers raised questions about the return of militants to Swat despite the presence of security forces. The people would not allow insurgents to resume their activities in the region, they said.
Pashteen told the rally: “Sabotaging peace in Swat means the disturbance of peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Such nefarious attempts will not be tolerated.”
Pakhtuns would no longer accept so-called peace negotiations between the government and the Pakistani Taliban, the PTM head said, pledging strong resistance to terrorism.
The protest involving elders, youth and children was reflective of the fact that the masses wanted a peaceful and prosperous Swat, free of militancy, remarked Mohsin Dawar.
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