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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Pakistan Fines Waziristan Tribes for Failing to Fulfill Responsibilities |
| 2004-03-06 |
| Taking stern notice of the attacks on Army Colony and para-military forces check-posts at Wana, the political authorities of South Waziristan Agency have fined the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe Rs 5.4 million for its failure to fulfil territorial responsibilities under the Frontier Crimes Regulations. The administration announced the fine against the Ahmadzai Wazir tribesmen in a jirga between the elders and political Agent Mohammad Azam Khan on Sunday. The two sides also discussed in depth the recent attacks on armed forces and official installations. The Ahmadzai Wazir tribe was fined Rs four million and its sub-clans Ashrafkhel and Malikkhel Rs 1.2 million and Rs 0.2 million respectively. The Sholam check-post is situated in the territory dominated by tribesmen from Ashrafkhel and Malikkhel. The traditional tribal jirga will give its reply to the administration by Wednesday. It may be mentioned here that situation in the area dominated by Ahmadzai Wazir tribesmen in Wana, South Waziristan Agency, is deteriorating day by day. The mysterious mortar and rocket attacks on the check-posts and other government installations have increased while common tribesmen are unhappy over the frequent operations in the area in the name of war on terror. Authorities renewed their warning to tribesmen to expel terrorists and hand over suspects, or face search operations by military forces that often end with tribal homes being demolished in punishment for harbouring militants. Harbourers also face the prospect of seven years jail and a fine of 1.5 million rupees. Ultra-conservative Pashtun tribes living in the border belt, sympathetic to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda fugitives, are believed to have provided them shelter since US-led forces invaded Afghanistan in late 2001 to topple the Taliban regime. |
| Posted by:Mike Sylwester |