An explosion took place in the Laghri area of Bajaur, in KPK province of Pakistan where at least 4 people were killed and 2 others were injured. The official said they are investigating whether the casualties were caused by a drone strike or a landmine explosion. Even while Investigations are underway, the police claim that the victims are young men aged between 15 and 18.
So far, no militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Earlier this year, in July, the Pakistani military conducted operations in Mamund, Bajaur, and people from Laghri village were also displaced.
Significantly, “Doda” is a small recreational activity in the mountainous regions of Pashtunkhwa Bajaur, where young people gather to roast corn on cobs in fields, often accompanied by discussions and socialising.
Pakistani army launched a drone attack on one such gathering in Bajaur’s Laghri Mamund area, killing four young men and injuring two others. The victims were between 15 and 18 years old, an age when parents expect their children to complete their education and support the family.
The state media has been accused of labelling the victims as terrorists to suppress the voices of the oppressed Pashtuns. Despite the challenging situation, the community vows to organise and demand justice for each instance of oppression.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many questioning the government’s motives behind the attack. The victims identified are – Sajjad, son of Majid 18 years old, Noshad, son of Said Rahman, 13 years old, Fawad, son of Dilbar, 18 years old and Javad, son of Yusuf, 15 years old,
The injured include: Waqas, son of Sher Zaman, 17 years old,
The Pashtun community is outraged, feeling that the Pakistani government has created insecurity in the region through its policies and military operations, while hypocritically claiming to fight terrorism.
“Day by day, bomb blasts and drone strikes are pushing us into the quagmire of genocide and disability. Whatever is happening in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is all about grabbing resources; all these dramas are for resource exploitation”, the Pashtuns argued.
Similarly, just two months back, in the very KPK province, a blast targeted a government vehicle near Phatak Mil Ground in Sadiqabad. The deceased included Assistant Commissioner Faisal Ismai.
