By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
LANDIKOTAL: Tribal elders in Khyber district have announced that a road blockade, closure of schools and a boycott of anti-polio vaccination campaigns would continue until the government and state institutions provided credible guarantees for lasting peace and security in Sultan Khel and other tribal areas of Landikotal.
The decision was taken during a large jirga attended by elders of the Sultan Khel tribe and representatives of other local tribes. The gathering was called in response to what participants described as a worsening law and order situation, with residents expressing growing concern over recurring incidents of violence and insecurity.
Speakers said public patience had been exhausted after repeated episodes of unrest and target killings. They argued that local communities had endured uncertainty for too long and now required practical and visible action from the authorities rather than repeated assurances.
As part of the protest, all government and private educational institutions in the affected areas were ordered to remain closed. The elders said schools would not reopen until clear assurances were provided regarding peace and stability.
The gathering also declared a boycott of anti-polio vaccination campaigns, stating that no drive would be allowed until security related demands were addressed. In another step, tribal elders barred government employees from several departments, including health, education and agriculture, from performing duties in the area.
Restrictions were also imposed on motorcycle movement between key checkpoints, with violators facing fines and confiscation of vehicles. Elders said another meeting would be held soon to decide the next phase of the protest and urged residents to remain united until lasting peace was achieved.
