Parachinar: Jun 2, 2010

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

COAS seeks tribal elders’ help for peace

COAS seeks tribal elders' help for peace

Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Assures them of restoring normalcy; visits Kurram, Orakzai

By our correspondent

PARACHINAR/KALAYA: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday visited the Kurram and Orakzai agencies and assured the tribal elders that security forces would extend to them all-out support in establishing peace across the tribal belt.

In Parachinar, the agency headquarters of Kurram Agency, the Army chief addressed both the Shia and Sunni tribal elders at the Jirga Hall. He asked the elders to support the Army's efforts in establishing the writ of the state and restoration of peace. He lauded the sacrifices of the tribal people in the face of militancy and assured them thatsecurity forces would protect their lives and property.

He approved the construction of Army Public School and College in Kurram Agency with immediate effect.Later, General Kayani flew to Orakzai Agency, where he was briefed at Kalaya, the agency headquarters, on the ongoing military action against the militants.

General Kayani addressed a 30-member Jirga of tribal elders, belonging to Ferozkhel, Bezotkhel, Utmankhel, Sheikhan, Meshtikhel and Manikhel tribes. He underlined the need for the tribesmenís support in restoring peace in the area.

On the occasion, he announced the raising of Orakzai Scouts with headquarters in Kalaya. The elders warmly received the Army chief and presented him a traditional turban and two sheep as per the tribal tradition.

Meanwhile, a press release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said General Kayani interacted with the troops in Orakzai and Kurram and greatly appreciated their professionalism and high morale.

He reassured the tribal elders that return of normalcy to the area and prosperity would be ensured. General Kayani's visit to Orakzai Agency marks the successful conclusion of operations in the tribal region. Return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is expected to start shortly.

The COAS appreciated the professional conduct of the operation, which has cleared the tribal region of terrorists.

Source: http://thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=29228

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Army declares victory in Orakzai

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Army declares victory in Orakzai

* COAS appreciates 'professional conduct of the operation which has cleared the agency of terrorists'

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army on Tuesday declared victory over the Taliban in one of their strongholds in the tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, the Orakzai Agency, saying the military operation in the region is finished.

The announcement was part of a military statement describing a visit to Orakzai and Kurram agencies by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had fled from Orakzai due to the military operation could expect to return home soon. More than 200,000 people are believed to have poured out of the area since the end of last year.

Appreciation: "Kayani's visit to Orakzai Agency marks the successful conclusion of operations in the agency," the statement said, adding, "He appreciated the professional conduct of the operation which has cleared the agency of terrorists."

According to sources, during his visit to Kurram Agency, the COAS was briefed about the security situation in the area. He also met with the elders of the Masharan tribe in Parachinar, the agency headquarters.

The COAS thanked the tribal elders for their undying support to the security forces and reassured them that life in the region would return to normal and the people would prosper once again, sources said. He also paid a visit to Kalaya tehsil in Lower Orakzai, sources added.