After several days of being marooned in Tal, the first aid convoy eventually left for the Bagan region of Kurram to transport sorely needed relief items. This was confirmed by officials on Wednesday.
The first phase of the operation has seen 10 trucks of tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and other essential items being dispatched by the FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA). Another convoy which brings food supplies, would later leave for Parachinar today, with more convoys expected throughout next week.
The recent assurance given by the Peace Committee to the authorities is a safe passage for the convoys, and it will give compensation to the affected residents, as well as hand over those responsible for the recent attack on Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud.
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Such repeated hampers have made it impossible to bring relief to Kurram since January 4, as a result of disaffection arising from the attack on Mehsud in Bagan, lower Kurram, and sit-in demonstrations held by local tribes in Mandori, as a result of which the roads were blocked.
While some came back after carrying van-loads of perishable stuff, most were stationed in Tal, said Hangu Deputy Commissioner Gohar Zaman Wazir. This further increased the plight of Kurram residents who are facing huge shortages of food and medicines.
Such long stretches of blockade have had severe implications. Ali Jawad, a social activist, informed that due to the non-availability of medical assistance, 221 people, including 147 children, have lost their lives. He called for immediate action to save further loss.
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Member of National Assembly Hamid Hussain, among other local leaders, has urged the region’s heads to act upon speedy relief efforts as their situation in the severe aftermath of a siege lasting three months deepens in intensity. Protests have erupted in a series like Sadda, which reflects the nature of anger and emerging particularities in the minds of shopkeepers demanding the release of a traders’ union leader arrested for inciting remarks.
In the meantime, Kurram has been made Section 144, and local authorities are struggling for timely delivery of aid.