BARA: In view of the changing law and order situation in Bara tehsil of Khyber district and the ongoing military operation in the Tirah Valley, the administration has imposed curfew.
This is the first time since the end of the insurgency in 2015 and the area was declared clear that the residents of Bara have once again been ordered to remain confined to their homes.
According to sources, curfew has been imposed due to the ongoing targeted operation against militants in the border areas of Tirah Valley and Bara to avoid any untoward incident.
Registration of thousands of displaced families coming from Tirah Valley and ensuring security during their movement is also an important reason.
Restriction on Movement: Bara Bazaar and adjacent major highways have been closed for traffic and common citizens, bringing daily life to a standstill.
Curfew is nothing new for the people of Bara, but its re-imposition is no less than a shock for them.When Operation “Bia Darghulam” (Here I am again) against banned organizations began in 2009, a continuous curfew was imposed in Bara, which continued with various breaks until 2015.
During these six years, Bara Bazaar (once the largest commercial center of the tribal areas) remained completely closed.
Hundreds of educational institutions were destroyed and millions of people took refuge in Peshawar and other areas.
In 2015, the area was cleared of militants and the curfew was completely lifted, after which people started rebuilding their lives.
Local tribal elders have expressed concern that the imposition of the curfew has paralyzed business. They demand
ease of movement of ordinary citizens, especially women and children, be ensured.
The government should adopt methods to establish peace that will have minimal impact on the lives of the common man.
The reimposition of curfew in Bara is a sign that security challenges in the region have not yet completely ended, but the people say they cannot afford a return to the situation like 2009.
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