News
Friday, June 21, 2013
Army will stay in Waziristan: Kayani* COAS says peace restored in SWA
* Appeals IDPs to return to their homes; pledges military protection
WANA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday said the army would maintain its presence in South Waziristan until the local people were satisfied with the law and order situation.
General Kayani appealed to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the war-ravaged South Waziristan Agency to return to their areas, assuring them military support. Speaking after the inauguration of 50-kilomtere-long road from Wana, the main town of South Waziristan Agency, to Angoor Adda, Kayani said, “Army will stay in South Waziristan until people of the area are satisfied. Army is playing every possible role for the development and uplift of these areas. Those who had quit South Waziristan during the operation should return to their homes. No one will be involved in terrorism when prosperity comes in the tribal areas.
He went on to say that roads, irrigation and electricity projects would lead to a change in the destiny of the areas. “I give guarantee that construction of roads in the area will benefit future generations.” The road from Wana to Angoor Adda has been completed at a cost of about $40 million with the financial assistance of the UAE. The COAS said that roads, electricity, education, health and other uplift schemes have been completed in the area and the projects would fulfil the purpose only after the people of the area return to their homes. The UAE ambassador was also present during the inauguration of the project called Third Corridor, which the army chief announced will be named after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahayan.
He also thanked the people of South Waziristan for their support to the armed forces in bringing peace in the region. General Kayani said due to the efforts of the army, military operation against terrorists was completed in a month. The army chief also visited the Khyber Agency on Thursday to monitor the operations against terrorist stronghold in Maidan area of Tirah Valley. While talking to troops, he lauded them for their swift and successful completion of operations and eviction of all terrorists, including foreigners. inp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk