Police, Levies and Khasadar personnel in merged districts announce boycott of polio campaign

Levies and Khasadar forces in Mohmand and other merged tribal districts have declared they will not participate in the upcoming polio vaccination campaign on September 21. Their decision comes after the government and police department failed to meet their demands regarding service-related issues. The Levies and Khasadar committee, led by Syed Jalal, stated the boycott will continue until their grievances are addressed and commitments are fulfilled.

In response, the forces have stopped registering FIRs and updating daily police diaries at police stations. This situation has raised concerns about the logistics of the polio campaign in the merged districts. Last month, Khyber police also threatened to boycott their duties but later carried out their regular responsibilities. Former Levies and Khasadar personnel have not yet received a clear service structure since the merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2019.

They have raised concerns over the lack of a defined promotion and pension scheme, deeming the current system unfair and demanding a structured system for career progression and retirement benefits. The protest committee plans to set up camps outside deputy commissioners' offices, maintaining the demonstration until their demands are met.

Despite the ongoing protest, police in Mohmand recently demonstrated their commitment to public order when they peacefully resolved a dispute over a passageway in Kargan Kalay, Prang Ghar.