Over two million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are set to return home from today, the NWFP government has also allowed the IDPs living outside the camps to go back to some areas in the district of Swat. The convoys of the IDPs would be streaming in the beautiful valley amid tight security arrangements, backed by military gunship helicopters. The security is aimed at avoiding any untoward incident during the IDPs’ return.

According to a plan worked out by the ERU (Emergency Response unit), IDPs living in camps will leave in the morning and those outside the camps will be able to go after 1pm.

• On July 13 and 14:The ‘in-camp’ and ‘off-camp‘ IDPs hailing from Landakai, Kota, Guratai and Barikot areas would be allowed to leave. Around 8000 families will leave initially.

• On July 15 and 16: People from Ghalagai, Maniar, Udigram and Ballogram would go back in the second phase.

• From July 17 to 20: the IDPs from Mingora City, Central City, Hajiabad, Malukabad, Gulkada and Saidu Sharif will leave.

One-month foodstuff would be provided to the IDPs prior to their return facilities like electricity, Sui gas, telephone and running water have been restored in the affected areas of Swat so that they can lead a normal life again. Information Minister had announced that IDPs are given 25,000 Rs per family through UBL Visa cards. Meanwhile, welcome banners have been installed on roads leading to Swat, Dir and Malakand Agency. The banners with slogans of  “Long live Pakistan”, “Welcome our displaced brethren” and “Say no to militancy” have been fixed on various corners of the roads.

The security of IDPs is still a question despite all the claims from Pakistan Army and Government that the conflict area has been cleared now. People of Swat and Malaknd had paid a huge price during the conflict, now it’s our turn to help them as much as we can to ensure proper rehabilitation of them. They need a generous aid for several upcoming months to re establish routine life in deserted valley.

I salute all of them for bearing what is unbearable for most of us. they are the real heroes of Pakistan Army Operation against Militants. Aid agencies, volunteers and all who made a contribution for IDPs are hailed.