Relief goods convoy dispatched for Kurram

PESHAWAR: The first convoy of relief vehicles carrying food items and other essential goods has left for Parachinar today, security sources informed media.

The convoys were stopped on January 4 after the firing on the deputy commissioner’s vehicle. Peace committees have given a guarantee to maintain law and order in the area, sources said. These peace committees were formed in the peace agreement Jirga held on January 1.

Also read: Kurram: seven including DC injured during firing in Bagan

Peshawar Police will protect the convoy, security sources said, adding that under the peace agreement, the parties in Kurram are obliged to hand over weapons to the state within 15 days.

The elimination of local bunkers in Kurram will be completed within a month as well.

KURRAM REMAINED UNDER LOCKDOWN SINCE OCTOBER

After resurgence of sectarian violence and bloodshed, the Kurram district was locked down on October 12. The main road connecting the district to other neighboring cities remained closed for almost three months, which caused severe shortage of food, fuel and medicines in the region.

The federal and provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa used helicopters to transport life-saving medicines to the region and to transport the critically ill to hospitals in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. However, the situation continued to deteriorate, as the Grand Jirga failed to reach an agreement.

Eventually, on January 1, the parties involved reached a consensus, and soon after a truck laden with food and other essential items was sent to Kurram on January 3. That effort, however, also proved futile when unknown gunmen opened fire on the convoy injuring the deputy commissioner delaying the peace plan yet again, and pushing any hopes of stability further out of reach. Meanwhile, deaths and difficulties continued to pile up for the people.

Also read: No respite for Kurram, as road blockages persist

Today, finally, another consignment of food and other goods has been sent for Kurram, under strict security. All parties involved, the locals and the government, are hoping that this will mark an end to the ongoing violence and unrest.