KHYBER AGENCY: Scores of tribesmen belonging to Khuga Khel hold a demonstration on Friday against what they described as “unlawful agreements to lease land to the National Logistic Cell (NLC) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Torkham”. Flanked by a large number of local political workers, dozens of Khuga Khel tribesmen chanted slogans against the parties, including NLC, FBR and a handful of tribal elders, who signed the deal Speaking on the occasion, several political leaders, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) FATA leader Abdurraziq Shinwari, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Khyber Agency president Hazrat Wali Afridi, Zakria Shinwari, Lutfullah Shinwari and others that without the endorsement of the tribesmen of Khuga Khel, a handful of tribal elites had signed a deal to lease 25 kanals to the FBR and another one to lease land for 100 years to the NLC for installation of a scanner. They said that it was sheer “injustice” to locals. “Every single contract inked by tribal elders pertaining to Torkham land without taking on board Khuga Khel tribesmen would be categorically rejected and all options including writ petition would be filed to reverse it,” they added. They asked the co-tribesmen to join hands with them to safeguard their children’s future. The demanded the authorities concerned to address their grievances or there would be no other alternative but to organize indefinite agitation in front of the Governor’s House and parliament. The protesters marched up to Landi Kotal Press Club where they dispersed peacefully. A spokesman for National Logistics Cell (NLC) has categorically rejected allegations regarding illegal occupation of land belonging to Khuga Khel Shinwari tribe by NLC for its Border Terminal. “All allegations with regard to forced occupation of land, markets and taxi stand are totally baseless. We are honoring Land Lease Agreement with Khugakhel tribe in letter and spirit. Neither we have encroached upon a single inch of land nor delayed payment to the Tribe as provided in the deal. The propaganda is being peddled by elements having vested interests and whose illicit trade has been hurt with establishment of Torkham Border Terminal. These elements spread rumors to agitate people against NLC in order to advance their ulterior motives”, he added. Published in Daily Times, April 14th 2018.