Fear and Uncertainty Grip Tirah After Killing Of Trader Leader

The Tirah people are frightened because of the attack of Tehreek-i-Taliban on the trader leader to ruin the peace of the region.

Traders and locals in shock after brutal killings:

Traders and the residents of Tirah are afraid and shocked at the same time after the assault of the trader leader, Haji Sher Mohammad and his comrade. On February 4, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan assaulted Sher Mohammad and his colleague. The banned terrorist group left everyone in shock and uncertainty. 

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However, the markets in Tirah are open but people are still very frightened to move out. They prefer to stay inside. The busy trading market is now presenting a deserted look that is full of fear. The shopkeepers and local traders feel insecure. The trader assault caused a major decline in business activities. 

Economic impact and reduced public gatherings:

Markets in Lar Bagh-Markez of Malakdinkhel have suffered a severe setback. Thursday and Friday’s fairs were affected badly due to this attack. These fairs were an essential part of the local economy for many years but now there is no activity seen this week. 

While speaking to the media, one trader said that when their lives are not valued, then how can people trust the security arrangements? We no longer trust these security measures that do not even give security to our leaders. If our leaders are not safe and secure, then how can ordinary citizens rely on law enforcement? 

An open criticism:

The local tribal elder criticized the militant groups openly. While attending the funeral of the late Haji Sher Mohammad and his colleague, he questioned the security of the ordinary citizens. He said that when you have no adequate proof to prove someone’s involvement in wrongdoing, then why do you target them?

In an emotional speech, later shared on social media, Malak Zahir Shah demanded justice for the slain traders. He urged the people of Tirah to unite against such violence. Zahir Shah also urged that the people of Tirah should work together to remove these militant elements from the area. However, fearing for his safety, he and his family immediately relocated to Peshawar.

Militants regaining foothold:

Over a decade, the killing of Haji Sher Mohammad and his colleague was the first ever incident that happened. Many families had returned to their homes near the Afghanistan border, hoping for peace. But this attack has shattered their sense of security.

Militants from Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-i-Islam, Emarat-e-Islami, and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group have been present in the area since June 2022. They initially claimed they would not harm locals and were only waging jihad against security forces, but their actions tell a different story.

The militant groups are using the shattered houses as their shelters. They assured locals they would only demand food and temporary refuge. However, when security forces launched operations, militants mixed with the population, using them as human shields.

Fear weakens resistance:

The military operations have continued for many years in the region. These operations, however, drained the people’s ability to resist. Many locals feel powerless to oppose the armed groups. Even after the murder of the two traders, no significant protest emerged from within the valley. The fear of violent retaliation has paralyzed the community. People are too afraid to stand up against the militants.

A planned protest against insecurity:

On February 15, the Bara Siyasi Ittehad announced a protest. The protest aims to condemn the killings and the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber. Organizers hope this will send a message that the people demand security and justice.