TIMERGARA, Oct 13: The reconciliatory committees and jirgas were being made functional to reduce burden on police stations and courts, said DIG Abdullah Khan.

Addressing oath taking ceremony of Talash Reconciliatory Committee on Sunday, he said that such bodies could play a vital role in reforming society. Members of the committees and elders of the area attended the function.

MNA Sahibzada Yaqub Khan, MPA Muzafar Syed, DPO Mian Jamshid Inamullah, former MNAMaulanaAsadullah,president of Talash Musalihati Committee Haji Shah Zaman, general secretary Haji Fazal Qadir and Advocate Mohammad Salim also spoke on the occasion.

DIG Abdullah administered oath to members of the committee. He said that responsibility of law and order was handed over to police in the areas where `qaumi jirgas` were active.

He said that out of court settlements between rivals were lessening burden on police stations and courts.

The DIG also urged the members of jirgas to remain impartial, balanced and justwhile settling petty disputes between rival parties.

Speaking on the occasion, Yaqub Khan said that Islam stressed on settling disputes among rivals. He appreciated local jirgas for their role in maintaining peace in the area.

Muzafar Syed asked police and other institutions to give weight to decisions of local jirgas. He said that role of local jirgas could not be ignored as it was part of Pakhtun culture. He said that government alone couldn`t resolve all problems of people.

`The people should also take their responsibilities seriously and extend coopera-tion to government institutions,` the MPA said, adding that jirga should be honoured as it represented community.

Shah Zaman was elected president, Abdul Hameed vice president, Fazal Qadir general secretary, Malik Amir Bahadar joint secretary, Bacha Mohammad press secretary and Shah Hassan finance secretary of the committee.

Speaking on the occasion the newly elected president of the committee said that they would cooperate with police in case they were right. `If they do wrong the committee will strongly oppose them,` he added.