KHYBER: Outraged members of the Zakhakhel tribe blocked the main highway leading to Torkham on Saturday, declaring their intent to take up arms for self-defense following the targeted killing of two men on Friday evening.
Led by tribal elder Malak Abdullah Khan, the demonstration—which included political activists, civil society members, and local tribesmen—announced that armed community volunteers would now be tasked with patrolling local areas.
The protesters implemented a complete ban on motorcycle riding and prohibited government employees from the Zakhakhel tribe from reporting to duty until a durable solution for lasting peace is established.
Additionally, the group called for a boycott of polio vaccination campaigns and the closure of all private and government schools within the Zakhakhel region.
Demonstrators refused to engage with government officials until a meaningful crackdown is launched against suspected militants operating in Mazreena and adjacent localities. They further advised local police officers to avoid wearing uniforms to prevent becoming targets.
A fine of Rs1 million was announced for any individual found spying for either outlawed militant groups or law enforcement agencies.
Protesters stated that the road blockade will remain in place until the perpetrators of the targeted killings are apprehended and the region is cleared of “undesirable elements.” The closure has suspended the return of Afghan families, leaving numerous vehicles stranded.
Zakhakhel elders also criticized recent raids on private residences and the arrest of numerous innocent citizens conducted under the guise of security clean-up operations.
The elders alleged that armed men, primarily local residents, regularly patrol the main road at night, noting that law enforcement agencies have failed to monitor or stop these movements.
The unrest follows the killing of two relatives in the Sultan Khel area of Landi Kotal on Friday evening. According to police, the victims were gunned down by assailants on motorcycles in front of their residence.
Both victims died at the scene, while the attackers fled into nearby hilly terrain, prompting a subsequent search operation.
This marks the third such incident since Ramadan; previous attacks in the same vicinity resulted in the deaths of two policemen and a teenage relative of an officer.