KHAR: Authorities have arrested scores of tribesmen for violating ban on motorcycle riding in different areas of Bajaur Agency.

Residents and sources in the political administration told this scribe here on Wednesday, that over 80 people had been arrested during the crackdown conducted by the Levies personnel in parts of the agency.

They said that a number of motorcycles had also been impounded.

They said that most of people were nabbed from roads, trade centres and public places of Khar tehsil.

The people criticised the crackdown, saying that most of the arrested motorcyclists either belonged to poor families or were small traders.

The residents alleged that only poor people were being nabbed.

When contacted, assistant political agent Arif Khan said that the action was taken to ensure peace-ful environment in the agency. He said that the motorcyclists had been freed while their bikes would be handed over to them on payment of fines.

According to the official, motorcycle riding had been banned in the agency, but the administration had issued special permits of motorcycle riding to some local people.

The ban on motorcycle riding in Bajaur Agency has been in place since 2012.

POLIO DAY: Directorate of Health Services, Fata, has issued a show-cause notice to the agency surgeon, who heads the local health department, for not organising public awareness activities in connection with the World Polio Day (Oct 24) in the region, accordingto sources.

They claimed that the directorate had asked the local health authorities to observe the day by arranging functions and walks to underline the significance of the day.Correspondent