Thousands of people marched through Nesht Chowk in Mingora, Swat, earlier this week to protest the rising incidents of terrorism around the scenic valley. However, they opposed a fresh military operation even as they called on the authorities to apprehend those responsible for recent attacks.
The protest had been called by the Swat Qaumi Jirga and was supported by the Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), residents and traders of the Mingora Valley. The event also brought together various political parties, social figures, lawyers, and civil society members who condemned the bomb attack on a convoy of foreign ambassadors. The convoy had been targetted as it was travelling from Mingora to Malam Jabba near Sher Abad village in the Swat district; while the diplomats remained safe, a police officer was martyred while three others were injured when an explosion struck their van.
Protesters raised slogans against terrorism and demanded an end to militancy in the region.
Haji Zahid Khan, one of the organisers of the protest, told The Friday Times - Naya Daur that the protest had been organised after several attacks on locals, the regional police and foreign diplomats.
He pointed out that there have been widespread reports of militants returning to the valley in recent weeks, who have allegedly attacked police pickets in Mingora.
Last month, a police check post in the Banr area of Mingora city was bombed, killing one officer and injuring two others. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, the TTP denied it was responsible for the attack on the convoy of foreign diplomates who had been visiting Swat on the invitation of the SCCI to participate in a trade show.
Swat Qaumi Jirga Spokesperson Ahmad Shah told The Friday Times - Naya Daur that the protesters wanted "justice done" and that they wanted suspects of the Malam Jabba attack to be arrested immediately. He called on the state to ensure peace in Swat.
Meanwhile, Swat Qaumi Jirga President Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai blamed security agencies for the terrorism in the valley and opposed military operations. He told The Friday Times - Naya Daur that the peaceful protesters in Mingora and the people of Swat had rejected the "artificial terrorism" in the valley.
With thousands attending the rally, he said it proved that residents were peace-loving.
"The people of Swat have driven out terrorism today; we stand for peace," he said, adding, "We'll await Swat Qaumi Jirga's next call; if necessary, we'll take up arms."
Provincial Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fazal Hakim Khan Yousafzai told The Friday Times - Naya Daur that the provincial government will not allow any military operation in Swat Valley, adding that police would be empowered to counter terrorism in the province.
"We are united against the menace of terrorism, irrespective of political and ethnic affiliation. We know how to protect our motherland," said Swat's Mayor Shahid Ali Khan. He added that the people of Swat were against terrorism and military operations.
Former minister and Awami National Party (ANP) leader Ayub Khan Ashari questioned why the Taliban had returned to Swat, decrying if a deal had been struck to resettle them in the valley. He claimed that locals could eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Swat District Bar Association President Faheem Naeem warned the district administration against booking protesters and announced that they would provide free legal assistance if any protester was booked.
Others who spoke at the protest included Irfan Chattan Khan, Molana Hujat Ullah, Dr Khalid Mahmood, Sadiq Aziz Bacha, Shamsul Hadi, Iqbal Hussain, Irshad Khan, and others addressed the peace rally.