Kurram elders pledge support to security forces

SADDA: The local elders in Kurram tribal district on Sunday assured the security forces of unflinching support to counter terrorism.

A number of elders from lower and central parts of Kurram attended the jirga that discussed steps to ensure the peaceful observance of Muharram.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General Zulfiqar Bhatti and other civil and military officials also attended the jirga.

The GOC asked the local people not to harbour the militants or else the security forces would launch an operation against them. He said the terrorists had infiltrated some villages in central Kurram where some local people were allegedly supporting them.

He also called for fostering brotherhood on the occasion of Muharram. He asked the local elders to persuade those supporting the terrorists to abandon them or lese the security forces would launch a military operation to flush out the terrorists.

The official said terrorism was a threat to peace that hindered prosperity and development. He assured the elders that security forces would spare no effort would thwart the nefarious designs of the militants.

The elders assured the security forces of their full support in the military operation was launched against the terrorists. They also pledged to maintain peace and brotherhood during Muharram, assuring the civil administration and security forces of their cooperation.