Mohmand tribal elders Thursday blocked Peshawar-Bajaur Highway during a protest against deployment of police in the area. Tribal elders blocked the Peshawar-Bajaur Highway at Chanda in Haleemzai tehsil for three hours, triggering a tail back on the road. Similarly, roads were blocked in Safi and Ekkaghund tehsils where tribesmen protested against the police system. It might be mentioned that a police high-up, Mardan DIG Muhammad Ali Ghandapor, was due to reach Safi tehsil to examine establishment of 18 police stations in the tribal district. Addressing the protesters, tribesmen Malik Nader Manan Koda Khel, Malik Fayaz Khwezai, Malik Sultan Khan Koda Khel, Malik Amir Nawaz Khan Haleemzai, Malik Saheb Dad, Mohmand Welfare Organization President Mir Afzal Mohmand and others said that Mohmand tribesmen had rejected the police system in the area. They threatened that tribesmen would continue their protest against police deployment. They were of the view that local elders were not taken into confidence regarding police deployment and visits of police high-ups to the district. They feared that police would abolish their culture and customs and suggested deployment of Khasadars or Levy forces instead for being familiar to their traditions. Later on the assurance of Upper Mohmand Assistant Commissioner Niab Din Dawar and Wing Commander Muhammad Saeed Khan, protesters dispersed peacefully and open the road for general traffic. Published in Daily Times, October 26th 2018.