GHALANAl: Elders at a jirga in Ambar area on Wednesday demanded of the government to launch development projects in the region as it had been purged of militancy.

The jirga held at Ekkaghound was also attended by political agent Waqar Ali Khan, assistant political agent Naveed Akbar, Lt-Col Mohammad Rahim Baloch, former MNA Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, and former senator Hafiz Rasheed Ahmad.

Addressing the gathering tribal elder Malik Haji Sahib Khan appreciated holding of jirgas across the tribal agency which will help strength tribal system.

Malik Izat Khan said jirgas played vital role in the restoration of peace in the region, appreciating construction of link roads in backward Shati Mena and Khari Dara areas of Ambar.

Haji Shams Rehman demanded high school and health centre in the area, adding NGOs should also launch development works in the backward region.

The tribal elders also demanded compensation for building their houses damaged during militancy and consequent military operation.

Former MNA Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq said in the past Ambar was famous for poppy cultivation but the people voluntarily abandoned the crop.

He demanded reopening of marble and nephrite mines in the area which were closed owing to militancy. Correspondent