Merger not to affect status of tribal jirga: governor.

LANDI KOTAL: Governor Shah Farman has said that merger of tribal areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will not affect the status of traditional tribal jirga, nor would it challenge the tribal customs and traditions.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of 'Governor Fruit for All' plantation drive at the Levies Centre in Jamrud tehsil of Khyber district on Thursday, he said that he had promised the tribesmen that all their useful and time tested customs and traditions would be retained intact along with judicious utilisation of all the development funds in accordance with the needs and aspirations of the local people.

He said that council of elders or jirga would be formed at subdivisional level for speedy resolution of local conflicts and disputes. 'Noted and experienced elders of all the major tribes would be given equal representation in these jirgas,' he added.

The governor urged the tribesmen to dispel any misconception from their minds about the government's intentions of disturbing or unduly interfering in the local customs and traditions. 'Regular laws would be implemented in the tribal districts with incorporation of local customs and traditions,' he said.

Mr Farman expressed the hope that the jirgas could play an effective role in resolution of civil cases.

He said that he was aware of the damage caused to properties in tribal areas due to militancy. He added that all the affected...