In a harrowing incident of targeted violence, three innocent youths were martyred by the Khawarij, as declared by the state, in the Tirah Valley of Khyber district, while another man was abducted from Bar Qamber Khel by a notorious Khariji commander, Rauf alias Khameem.
Local sources described the attack as a calculated act of brutality that has shaken the community. However, the muted public response has raised eyebrows among tribal elders, contrasting sharply with past protests against similar atrocities.
One Afridi elder, speaking with deep sorrow, highlighted that one of the victims, Muhammad Ibrahim, was married just 15 days ago. “Whenever a clash occurs between security forces and these khawarij, people rush to protest against the forces. But now that the Khawarij have spilled blood in our own backyard, why the silence? Have we become helpless, or worse, their sympathisers?” he asked.
He emphasized the need for unity and resistance, urging the community to go beyond verbal condemnation. “We are a free people. It’s time to not only raise our voices but take action. We must put aside our differences and confront this menace together, with the fear of God in our hearts.”
Community elders have strongly condemned the attack and demanded immediate government action to restore peace. They called on authorities to intensify operations against the Khawarij and to strengthen security measures across the district.
Furthermore, the elders advocated for the formation of local peace committees, similar to those in North and South Waziristan and Lakki Marwat, where collaboration with security forces has significantly weakened khawarij footholds. “It is through unity and coordinated efforts that these terrorists can be pushed back,” one elder stated.
