MOHMAND AGENCY: Security forces conducted a search operation, arresting 19 tribesmen in the Lower Mohmand Ekkaghund lockup. Further investigations are underway, officials informed on Wednesday. It is pertinent to mention that on Tuesday, an Improvised Explosive Device planted by unidentified miscreants on Kacha track at Sadiq Kore Shati Meena area of tehsil Ambar, went off when a motor car, that was being driven by a local Shaheen Shah, which was passing through the area, was injured while his vehicle was partially damaged. Assistant Political Agent Tausif Khalid has asked the tribal elders of Utman Khel tribe to fulfill the territorial responsibility and also to stay vigilant in their respective areas, keeping a lookout for any suspicious activity. He said that some anti-state elements were disturbing the peaceful environment. He added that nowadays, the situation has gotten better and if the tribesmen keep cooperating like they are now, these minor incidents would also perish. Tausif Khalid stressed upon the elders, telling them that their role was important in retaining sustainable peace. He said that the condition of the schools and hospitals will improve if peace prevails. He lauded the roles and sacrifices rendered by the local tribesmen and the youth. It is pertinent to mention that after every attack, the security forces along with political administration arrest the innocent. A two-day basic first aid training for Traffic Squad Force was organised by a joint collaboration of Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) Federally Administered Tribal Areas and PRC Mohmand Agency branch at THE Mohmand Agency Camp in Ghalanai on Wednesday. A total numbers of 20 officials participated in the basic training. On the occasion, PRC Agency Secretary Mohmand Fauzee Khan and First Aid Trainer Muhammad Tariq was also present. The course was conducted by Muhammad Tariq, who also introduced PRC and its contribution in treating wounds, burns and respiratory emergencies. “The aim of the training was to enhance the knowledge, practice and techniques of first aid amongst the participants for helping them to respond efficiently in any kind of conflict and/or emergency,” Tariq said. The first aid training was designed in a way that the participants can recognise and understand the importance and the key components of first aid with special emphasis on causality handling, evacuation and transportation in community, he added. Fauzee Khan said that the PRC’s core areas of work included disaster management, relief work during and after disasters, healthcare, promotion of humanitarian values and organisational development. He said that PRC Mohmand Agency had distributed 1,000 food packages including 4,000 blankets among the flood affectees of 2011 in the area. “PRC trained more than 500 Levies/Khassadar and 400 community persons all over the agency,” Tariq informed. He added that now they have decided to start first aid trainings at community level. Assistant Political Agent Tariqullah on the occasion said that PRC was a part of the national society and played a vital role if any disaster occured in the area. He said that the training had most importance for the Traffic Squad and it will further enhance the skills and capacity of the force to respond effectively to disasters. He appreciated the roles of PRC Mohmand Agency, adding that the organisation trained college staff as well as the rest of the community in the area. At the end of the training Tariqullah and Khan distributed certificates among the participants of the training programme. Published in Daily Times, March 8th 2018.