PESHAWAR(National Times)- A jirga on Thursday strongly condemned the terrorist activities in Bannu district and demanded of the government to take immediate steps and root out militancy from the region.

The jirga members, including local elders and public representatives from national and provincial assemblies, announced all-out support to the government and the law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism and lauded police action against militants in Bannu.

The jirga, held in Bannu, was also attended by KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and police chief Zulfiqar Hameed.

The jirga members demanded that police be given lead role in the war against terrorism in Bannu and that police be equipped with modern equipment.

The jirga elders expressed willingness to form a committee comprising local elders, who would continue efforts in consultation with the commissioner and deputy inspector general of police for restoration of peace.

They also expressed their desire to meet leadership of the law enforcement agencies so that joint efforts were made for peace.

While speaking on the occasion, the chief secretary assured the jirga members that the government was utilising all its resources for maintaining law and order situation and that peace was government’s top priority.

He said that police and other law enforcement agencies, with support from the locals, would eradicate militancy from the area, adding that the counter terrorism department was also being equipped to fight militancy.