Streets of Mingora Bazaar echoed with “we want peace in Swat” slogans
Streets of busy Mingora Bazaar echoed with slogans “we want peace in swat as hundreds of protesters gathered to condemn the recent terror incidents and demand action to stop the resurgence of terrorists in the valley.
The protesters comprised a large number of youths, elders, lawyers, transporters, traders, doctors, and students, who held banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the terrorists and seeking peace.
The protest was organized by Swat Qaumi Jirga and Swat Olasi Pasoon.
Apart from civil society and peace activists, leaders of all the political parties except Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf addressed the gathering.
Activists, including Zahid Khan, Brigadier retired Saleem Khan, Abdul Jabbar Khan, Sher Shah Khan, Akhtar Ali, Ayub Asharey, Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Idrees Bacha, Sardar Yousafzai, Wakeel Khan, Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, Umar Ali Yousafzai, and others spoke on the occasion.
Streets of Mingora Bazaar echoed with “we want peace in Swat” slogans
They said they had a one-point agenda to demand peace in Swat and they won`t allow another wave of militancy to sweep their valley.
They added that they demanded peace from the state, and if it failed to do so, they would rise and take action for peace in their land.
“We vow to not allow terrorists and extremists to regroup in Swat” they said.
The protesters said they had witnessed the worst terrorism from 2007 to 2009 when the militants challenged the state`s writ and caused a lot of bloodshed and fear, taking many people`s lives and destroying businesses and properties, and displacing hundreds of others. They asked the people if they spotted any suspected element in their areas they must come out of their houses and take action against them.
They also asked law enforcement agencies to refrain from registering FIRs against peaceful protesters.
The protesters also questioned the silence of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and the elected representatives over the matter and demanded that the government take action against terrorists immediately.
