Swat returnees to get assistance

[LahoreEstate]

* Minister says people to get compensation for life, material losses

Staff Report

PESHAWAR: NWFP government is planning emergency assistance for the people of Swat displaced by the wave of insurgency in the valley.

Official sources told Daily Times that the government would provide emergency assistance to those returning to their houses after “restoration of peace” in the area.

As the Taliban in Swat are still manning pickets in some areas of the valley, the government said it was urging the displaced people to return to their houses, said the official.

Contacted for comments, NWFP Minister for Forests Wajid Ali Khan said peace had been restored in the valley. He said the kidnapping of the District Coordination Officer (DCO) Khushal Khan was not a pleasant incident. However, he said, this would not derail the peace process.

The minister confirmed the government would hand over necessary items to families who are returning to their houses in Swat as part of their emergency plan. “They will be compensated both for the life and material losses. However, at the moment, the government wants to offer them some necessary items of daily use while they are coming back to their homes,” said the minister.

He said a centre would be established, probably just outside Mingora, where the government would hand over the necessary items to the returning families.

About the items, the minister said these would include food items, utensils, cloths, and mats, etc so that the people might not ask for others’ help in relocating their houses.

Unofficial figures revealed that around 0.4 million people fled Swat following the intensity in war between the security forces and the Taliban and attacks on schools, hospitals and other public and private buildings by the Taliban.

As the two sides had entered into a peace deal, the displaced people of Swat are yet to return to their houses as the Taliban’s presence in many areas is still worrying them.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg7_16