BANNU: Rejecting establishment of Bakkakhel tehsil, the elders and district and tehsil councillors of 11 union councils of PK-72 have urged the government to withdraw its decision to avoid bloodshed. They have also warned to move court against the decision.

Addressing a press conference at Bannu Press Club, the elders and elected members of 11 UCs of PK-72 feared that a clash between groups could erupt over the controversial decision of formation of new Bakkakhel tehsil.

They included Dr Sahib Zaman, former MPA Hamid Shah, Naeem Khan, district councillor Sher Ali Baz Khan, tehsil councillors Pir Kamal Shah, Qari Attaullah, Malak Mir Mohammad, Malik Pir Khuban and dozens of councillors from 11 union councils.

They claimed that an atmosphere of hatred and conflict was being created through a pre-planned conspiracy.

They said that the of ficials of the administration and other institutions could not visit Bakkakhel town even during day time, fearing that after formation of the new tehsil bloodshed was likely.

They rejected any negotiation till the government reversed its notification of Bakkakhel tehsil.

They demanded of the government to withdraw its decision to avoid bloodshed in the area. The alleged that special assistant to the chief minister, Shah Mohammad Khan was snatching rights of people of 11 UCs to appease the people of only two UCs.

They warned Mr Khan of consequences in case of infighting in the region.

They said that the commissioner, Bannu, had informed the government about their reservations in this regard.

-Correspondent