Haroon Gul, Research Analyst at CRSS, explores the aftermath of the militant insurgency in Swat Valley and recounts his own experiences while on the ground in the Peochar region.
Peochar Valley was once a land of beauty and peace. It has vast greenery and fertile lands, nestled in mountainous terrain. The locals are a strong breed of people, and they mostly keep to themselves. While going up Peochar Valley towards the mountains, there are numerous fruit farms along the way, including pears, persimmons and green apples. There is a two hundred year old mosque with an ablution area built underneath the structure. From the backside of the mosque, the locals’ homes are visible in the distance. There is also another mosque further down the hill.[1]
Swat in the Hands of Militants
In 2009, the Swat insurgency turned this beautiful region almost into rubble. The TTP militants took over and established their main base in the valley. The commander involved in beheading police officers, Maulvi Fazlullah, operated out of this base as well. They slaughtered people who did not comply with their rules. On December 24, 2008, he visited local schools with a contingent of militants, and ordered that all government and private schools refuse teaching girls by January 15, 2009. [2] The families of the Taliban commanders were living in the Peochar Valley as well. The main base was at the top of Peochar Valley, close to the two-century old mosque, where the Taliban now offered prayers.The Taliban were trying to control Swat administratively, and the fighting continued in the main city of Mingora. The leaders of Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi or TNSM, a movement founded by Sufi Muhammad, were started branching out to adjoining regions, such as Malam Jabba.
Government Response
The government launched the Rah-e-Rast military operation in May, 2009. The security forces fired artillery shells at suspected militant hideouts in Peochar Valley.[3] About 152 Taliban militants surrendered to the armed forces. In Peochar area of Matta Tehsil, 48 militants, including six suicide bombers, laid down their arms, while the other 104 Taliban militants surrendered before the forces. The Pakistan Army captured Muslim Khan and four other TNSM commanders in Mingora on September 11, 2009, while Maulvi Fazlullah was wounded after two airstrikes. [4] The government should ensure that such tragedy does not occur again as the people of Swat as a whole have suffered a lot. Once terrorism is eliminated then we can hope to tourism and other indigenous industry to flourish.
Current Situation
The valley of Peochar had faced a lot of insurgency after 2009. The families of the Taliban are still said to be there. They do not interact much and are reserved to their respective settlements, although the people are generally friendly in nature. Peochar village should be looked after and the area of the valley must be kept intact as it is an important part of Pakistan. The natural beauty found here is remarkable. The fruit farms and the lush greenery is still visible. Families living here should get access to all facilities from the city of Mingora with ease as the roads towards the village top is rough. The temperature, even in summers, remains chilly but there is plenty of sunlight. Before going up the village towards the top of the mountain, the army has now established a base. They are constantly keeping track of the situation after the horrific incidents that cast fear in the hearts of the local populace. A brick wall was made around the mosque at the top of Peochar Valley a few years ago. The residents of the village in Peochar Valley offer prayers here regularly now.
Published by Haroon Gul on January 1, 2015
[1]http://islamabadradio.com/jamal-shah-takes-a-swipe-at-filmmaking-2/
[2]http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/pakistan/nwfp/timeline/2009.htm
[3]http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/national/02-Feb-2008/three-militant-commanders-held-in-swat
[4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Swat