Residents of Swat’s Charbagh tehsil and Shangla’s Alpuri took to the streets in continuation of their series of protests against the spate of terrorism in the scenic valley, demanding authorities to clamp down on elements ruining the peace in the area.
The protest was organised by Swat Qaumi Jirga. A large number of people including elders, youth and children from different parts of Charbagh tehsil took part in the demonstration, carrying placards inscribed with slogans seeking the restoration of peace in the valley.
It was the eighth protest by the locals after a school van in Charbagh came under gunfire, which left the driver dead and two children injured.
The protest eventually ended after 40 hours as a result of negotiations with the local administration.
The protesters had been demanding the arrest of the culprits behind the attack and warned of marching to Islamabad if authorities failed to meet their demands within 24 hours.
Adviser to Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Amir Muqam, also turned up to express solidarity with the protesters.
Amir Muqam said: “The PML-N will never compromise on peace in Swat. We are against all forms of terrorism and we are standing with the people of Swat for peace.”
“I must underline that the people of Swat are not alone and the leadership as well as every worker of the PML-N is standing with them,” he told the protesters.
A speaker said that the people of Swat have “woken up” and are entirely aware of right and wrong and bad and good. Another speaker, Mukhtiar Yousafzai, said the locals have realised they would not breathe freely until terrorism was completely eliminated from Swat.
