Miranshah:
A powerful and unprecedented protest that was unfolded in North Waziristan Tribal District on Friday when thousands of tribal men walked the streets to oppose a potential military operation in the region. The protest reached its peak in Mir Ali, one of the area’s most important cities, where protesters offered Friday prayers in the congregation on a two-kilometer stretch of the main road that effectively closed commercial activity and sent a strong political message.
The protest, far more than a religious collection, served as a peaceful but powerful public referendum against what the locals see as the government’s destructive policy. Since the stores are closed and the slogan “Operation that is not accepted”, which resonates throughout the area, it marked a significant moment of political awareness, public entity and resistance.
Leading prayers and protests were Jamati disadvantaged dislikes (f) mna mufti misbahuddin, who declared during his sermon: “This prayer is the nation’s peaceful rejection of any possible operation. We are responsible for the protection of our homes, countries, markets and children. No power can displace us again.” He added that tribal communities had established peace in the past and will not accept “destruction in the name of peace” again.
Mufti Baitullah, who spoke on behalf of Utmanzai Tribal Council, announced three key decisions:
If a military operation is launched in a village, the entire population will come out of their homes in protest.
Peaceful demonstrations will be held throughout the region and encourage people not to leave their houses.
Stores and homes will not be abandoned under any circumstances.
City dealers, including Miranshah, Mir Ali, Khaddi, Harmuz, Hassu Khel and EPI, expressed their frustration and said that damage from Zarb-E-AZB operation in 2014 has still not been compensated.
Haji Gul Muhammad, a local shop owner, said: “We rebuilt our stores on loans, restarted companies from scratch, but every few months we hear about another operation. Our lives are stuck in uncertainty.” He remembered how women were forced to live for months in open fields, schools and tent camps during the last shift. “This time if they come, we’re not leaving. We’re sitting in front of them.”
After Zarb-E-AZB, over 7,500 stores in Miranshah and more than 800 in Mir Ali were completely destroyed. More than 2,000 homes suffered partial or complete damage, and commercial goods worth millions of rupis were lost to looting or fire.
The tribe’s eldest Nisar Ali Khan revealed that they have been informed of the preparations for a “approval operation” in certain areas. “We will not be silent this time,” he warned, pointing to previous events with forced displacement, out of court arrests and human rights violations during military operations. “Today, the people of North Waziristan have told the world that they are peaceful – but they will not give further victims. Their patience has run out.” He warned that if the government ignores the voice of the public, the future tribal opposition may be intensifying – not only on the streets, but also within legal and political frameworks.
This mass protest comes in the midst of a background of rising violence in the region, including three -day trepers between security forces and terrorists, bomb attacks by the roads and more suicide attacks. The locals believe that these events are used as pretext to launch a fresh military campaign.
