Lower Kurram Residents Forced to Evacuate as Unrest Intensifies

Authorities have issued evacuation notices for residents of four villages in Lower Kurram due to escalating security concerns. The district administration announced on Wednesday that residents of Ochit, Manduri, Dad Kumar, and Bagan must evacuate for their safety as tensions in the region continue to rise.

As part of the ongoing security measures, six families were relocated to Hangu on Tuesday, where they are temporarily staying with relatives. Officials stated that once the villages are vacated, security forces will launch search operations to restore stability in the area.

The evacuation comes in response to a surge in violence, with multiple attacks reported on vehicles and convoys. The region has long been plagued by unrest, but a fresh wave of conflict since November last year has resulted in over 150 deaths. The violence began with two separate ambushes on police-escorted convoys, claiming 40 lives.

The unrest has led to prolonged road closures, effectively isolating Kurram from the outside world. The blockade has caused severe shortages of food and medicine, with reports of additional casualties due to the humanitarian crisis.

To curb the violence, a ceasefire was brokered by the government and military, mandating the surrender of weapons and the removal of bunkers under the directives of the KP apex committee. However, despite the agreement, attacks have persisted. Notably, Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and Assistant Commissioner Saeed Manan Boshehra were recently targeted.

Earlier this week, another convoy was ambushed, resulting in the deaths of five security personnel and four drivers. Twenty others, including five security officers and five drivers, sustained injuries. Attackers also looted 36 trucks and set fire to 19 vehicles, according to police reports.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for strengthened security measures in the conflict-hit region.