| Talks between a tribal jirga and political administration for the release of tribesmen and six employees of the Gomal Zam Dam project have failed, jirga members told Daily Times on Tuesday. A 200-member tribal jirga led by former member of the National Assembly (MNA) Mirajuddin Tuesday met South Waziristan Political Agent Fazal Rabi at his office for the release of several Mehsud tribespeople – who had been arrested by the government under the collective responsibility clause of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) on Saturday – compensation for houses destroyed during government attacks, end of barricades in the agency and ceasing of shelling on residential areas. The jirga members said the political agent had linked the release of arrested tribesmen to the release of six Gomal Zam Dam workers kidnapped by unidentified militants on January 12. The jirga members, however, informed the political agent they were helpless with regard to the release kidnapped workers. At this, the political agent said he was also helpless regarding the release the tribesmen and fulfillment of other demands. After the collapse of negotiations, the jirga demanded the political agent to arrange their meeting with NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani. The jirga members said their meeting with the governor for the release of tribesmen and other demands is expected with the next few days. |