PESHAWAR: Inspector General Frontier Constabulary (IGFC) South Waziristan Major General Abid Latif has stressed the need for close coordination between the security forces and the people, urging locals to report any incident that could cause damage or insecurity as the military has expedited efforts to clear planted landmines in the area. “Today, South Waziristan is a living example of peace throughout the country because of the sacrifices of local tribes,” Latif expressed these views while addressing elders and youth at the scenic Badar valley of South Waziristan tribal district on Thursday. The IGFC visited Badar valley on the invitation of youth where elders offered him traditional turban after his arrival. Local people, elders, civil and military officials were present on the occasion. He said the people of this tribal region have rendered unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism, leading this volatile belt to durable peace and stability. He said that the military has eliminated terrorism from the region and provided peaceful environment to the people. He said that now businesses have opened and people are moving freely in the area without any security threat. He said Mehsud tribal people have offered matchless sacrifices during the years-long offensive to stamp out militancy from the area. Today, he said that after collective efforts by the local population and the military, peace has been restored in the once lawless region. On survey of damaged houses and infrastructure, he said that survey of fully and partially damaged houses is underway and all efforts are being made to complete it without further delay. He said that every damaged house would be counted in the survey and every affected tribesman would get compensation. He said that a number of development projects have been initiated in the area such as health, education, sports, business centers, mosques, hydropower plants and construction and paving of 31 kilometers of road. Referring to communication system, he said that he has held meeting without other concerned officials to restore mobile network facility in the area, which would usher an era of progress and prosperity. He announced establishment of hydro power plants in different areas of South Waziristan to meet the need of electricity at local level. Local elders thanked the IGFC and hoped that his visit would yield positive results in development of the war-ravaged South Waziristan region. Published in Daily Times, November 9th 2018.