By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Security forces on Monday resumed a targeted military operation against militants in Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, while the provincial government imposed a three-month curfew in parts of the restive region.
The offensive, dubbed Operation Sarbakaf, initially launched on July 29 but was halted the following day after peace talks between the Bajaur Amn Jirga and local militant commanders showed progress.
However, negotiations for relocating militants to Afghanistan collapsed on Friday evening due to unresolved issues, prompting the resumption of military action. Security forces pounded militant hideouts in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils, approximately 20km from Khar, the district headquarters. No casualties were reported on the first day of the operation, which continued until sunset. The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, issued no statement on the offensive.
The district administration imposed a curfew across more than two dozen villages in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils, effective until August 14, to ensure public safety during the operation. A notification posted on the Deputy Commissioner’s official Facebook page announced a 12-hour curfew from 11am to 11pm on key roads, including Khar-Munda, Khar-Nawagai, Khar-Pashat Salarzai, and Khar-Sadiqabad-Inayat Kalley. The curfew affects 27 areas, including Laghari, Gohati, Ghanam Shah, Bad-i-Siah, Gat, Kitkot, Regai, Daag, Ghundi, Amanato, Zagai, Garigal, Niaag, Damadola, Sultan Big, Chowtra, Gaang, Jawar, Inam Khooro Chinagai, Aanga, Safari, Bar Gatki, Kharki, Shakroo, Shinkoot, and Bakaroo.
“We appeal to the people to abide by the restrictions and stay indoors, suspending all activities until 10:30am on Monday, while failure to comply with [this] may result in unpleasant consequences, for which they would be responsible,” the district administration’s directive stated.
Police enforced the curfew by sounding sirens and ordering traders to close shops, leading to the shutdown of major roads and bazaars in Khar, Inayat Kalley, Sadiqabad, Nawagai, Raghagan, Pashat, Laghari, Yousafabad, and Loe Sam.
The restrictions prompted backlash from residents and local leaders. At a press conference at the Bajaur Press Club, Sahibzada Haroon Rashid, head of the Bajaur Amn Jirga, accused the district administration of failing to consult residents before imposing the curfew. He also criticized the provincial government for inadequate arrangements for transportation and accommodation for displaced families. “The authorities must take immediate measures to address the needs of those displaced by the operation,” Rashid said, flanked by jirga members.
The operation and curfew have displaced over 2,000 families since Saturday, with approximately 300 families fleeing on Monday alone, according to estimates from local NGOs and residents. Khalid Khan, executive director of the Siraj Uddin Khan Foundation, told Dawn newspaper that some displaced families sought refuge in shelters set up by his organisation, while others stayed with relatives or friends.
To accommodate the displaced, the district administration announced that 449 public schools, along with 113 private schools, would serve as temporary shelters. The decision was finalised during a meeting led by Khar Assistant Commissioner Dr Sadiq Ali with local education department officials.
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