Daily Times

SWAT: A large number of people gathered at Matta Chowk in Khwazakhela, Swat to protest against security checkposts. The protest was attended by people ranging from various sections of society.

They said the checkposts caused inconvenience to the people of Swat. “On February 15, 2018 an unfortunate incident occurred due to a long queue when an infant who could not reach hospital on time for treatment died,” they said.

The security forces heightened security following a recent suicide bomb blast inside the army unit’s sports area at Sharifabad in Kabal tehsil on February 3.

The protesters said that Swat and its people were peace-loving and not terrorists. “For the past eight years since peace was restored to Swat, the valley had been a site of checkposts set up at various points, adversely affecting the social, health and educational activities of the local people. We are neither terrorists nor want terrorism on our land so the unnecessary checkposts must be abolished and security forces at check posts should treat people politely,” said Malik Riaz Khan, a local elder and political leader.

“For the last 15 days people are delayed for hours and one has to show and prove one’s identity several times due to which people cannot reach their offices, educational institutions and hospitals in time,” said Asif, another protestor.

The protesters also questioned the political role of legislators, censuring their silence for not protecting their basic rights as the citizens of this country. “The draconian power is conferred by the ‘Actions in Aid of Civil Power regulation’ that now need to be revised by the parliament after lapsing ten years,” he said.

“The political parties failed to represent us and their silence on checkposts means they are equally involved in the humiliation of people. When political leaders fail to address people’s issues, they are left with little choice, but to come out to the streets to demand their rights,” said Ali Hassan. He said that checkposts operators did not show lenience even towards women. The protesters reiterated that they were not terrorists and would not allow their valley to be used again for terrorism.

Published in Daily Times, February 19^th 2018.