SWAT: Thousands of residents of Kabal tehsil staged a protest rally on Friday against the proposed establishment of a cantonment board in the Swat Valley.

Residents from 20 villages of Kanju, Koza Bandai and Bara Bandai union councils marched from Dherai Ground to Kanju Chowk, where they staged a demonstration, raising slogans, and calling for immediate withdrawal of the decision.

The protest, organised by Tanzeem Sama Laar, witnessed participation from various political parties, social organisations, and local community leaders.

Addressing the rally, Sultan Ali Khan, chairman of Tanzeem Sama Laar, said: `We categorically reject the establishment of the cantonment board. The government must understand that we are not willing to give up even an inch of our land for this project.

MPA Rahmat Ali Khan said: `The people of Swat have already made tremendous sacrifices. From constructing an airport to setting up a cantonment, we have given enough. Now, we will not allow further confiscation of our land.

Kabal tehsil chairman Saeed Khan said: `The land we live on and cultivate is our only source of livelihood.

This time, we will resist with unity and strength.

Haji Rahmat Ali, former Kabal tehsil nazim, emphasised: `The government cannot impose such decisions without consulting the public. We demand that the authorities respect the will of the people.

The speakers highlighted that local residents had already faced land acquisitions at extremely low rates in the past, where first an airport and then a cantonment were established. Now, they strongly opposed any further land acquisition.

President of Swat Councillors Alliance Rasheed Ahmed Swati declared: `We have prepared a future course of action and will not allow the establishment of the cantonment board under any circumstances. The people`s voice must be heard.

`We stand united in protecting our land and rights.

The government must reverse this unjust decision immediately, or we will escalate our protests,` said Nangolai village council chairman Fatahullah Khan.

The protesters reminded the authorities of a previous protest on November 3, 2024, when residents of 13 villages had also staged a massive demonstration against the same issue. At that time, they declared they would not allow any portion of their land to be taken and pledged to resist any such attempts by the government.

DISPUTE RESOLVED: A jirga in Mingora on Friday resolved a major dispute stemming from the killing of a young man, Obaidullah, inside the Banr police station in January 2023.

Following the incident, the family of the deceased had filed a case against four policemen, including SHO Faizullah. The accused officers were arrested, and the case proceeded in court. However, a significant breakthrough was achieved when the jirga facilitated reconciliation between the parties involved.

The jirga, held at the Banr police station, concluded with members of both the parties embracing each other and agreeing to a settlement.

The jirga was attended by community elders, political and social figures, elected representatives, and district police officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur.

`This reconciliation is a testament to the power of dialogue and our cultural values of resolving conflicts through mutual understanding,` said DPO Gandapur.

Faridoon Khan, who led the victim`s family, said: `We have chosen to forgive for the sake of peace and Allah`s blessings.

Obaidullah, a young man, was killed `accidentally` in firing by SHO Faizullah.

Subsequently, Faizullah along with five other cops was arrested.

President of Malakand Trade Federation Abdul Raheem, Swat city mayor Shahid Ali Khan, former provincial minister Wajid Ali Khan and others attended the jirga.

The participants thanked all individuals, who contributed to the reconciliation.