Protesters in Pakistan’s northwestern Bannu district have ended their monthlong demonstration following the latest round of talks with the government.
Members of a Pashtun clan in Jani Khel ended their sit-in on June 27 after the government agreed to drive out militants and restore peace to the area.
The clan launched their protest after tribal elder, Malik Naseeb Khan, was shot dead on May 30. They refused to bury him until the government dealt with the militants.
Pashtun clan members clashed with police as they marched toward Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, on June 23 to push their demands.
One protester was killed and several others injured. Ten police officers were also hurt in the clashes.
After four days of talks between government officials and protest leaders, an agreement was reached on June 27 to clear the region of militants, Dr. Noor Muhammad, a member of the Pashtun delegation, told supporters.
The Jani Khel area is located on the periphery of the North Waziristan tribal district, which is rife with Taliban militants and other armed groups.
Locals complain that armed militants are involved in targeted attacks and accuse the military of not taking large-scale action against them.
As part of the June 27 deal, the government agreed to release protesters arrested by the police during the clashes.
The government also agreed to pay compensation to the families of the slain and injured protestors as well as to those whose vehicles were damaged.
