Mohmand Tribal Elders Strongly Oppose Mineral Mountain Lease, Issue Warning
Tribal elders from Ambar Tehsil in Mohmand District have voiced strong opposition to a reported move by the district administration to lease out the mineral-rich Chorlu Kamar serpentine mountain. They warned that any decision made without the consent of local tribes could lead to significant tensions and potential unrest in the area.
Press Conference Highlights Tribal Ownership and Concerns
Speaking at a press conference held at the local Press Club on Friday, the elders emphasized that the mountain is jointly owned tribal land, with their community holding a 50 per cent share. They insisted that any lease agreement must be finalized only after thorough consultation with all tribal stakeholders to ensure fairness and transparency.
A number of prominent elders, including Haji Rasheed, Haji Awal Jan, Ajmeer Khan, Amir Nawab, Rehmatullah, and Abdul Hakim, alleged that the district administration is considering awarding the lease to an individual identified as Rehmat. In contrast, they claimed that the tribes have already reached a consensus to grant the lease to Abbas Khan.
Consensus and Voting Results Support Tribal Decision
According to the elders, a recent tribal gathering was held to address the issue, where participants' identity cards were verified before voting took place. The results showed that approximately 75 per cent of attendees supported Abbas Khan, while the opposing group secured roughly 25 per cent backing. This clear majority, they argued, reflects the will of the tribal community and should be respected in any official decision.
One elder stated during the press conference, "The Chorlu Kamar mountain is collectively owned by local tribes. Any attempt to lease it out without the approval of the tribal majority will be unacceptable." This sentiment was echoed by others, who warned that bypassing the community's consensus could create unrest and potentially lead to confrontation in the area.
Call for Immediate Action and Respect for Tribal Rights
The elders urged the deputy commissioner of Mohmand District and other relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the matter. They stressed the importance of ensuring that tribal rights are fully respected in any decision regarding the lease. They added that a fair and transparent process is essential not only for safeguarding community rights but also for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions between local tribal communities and administrative bodies over resource management and ownership rights. The elders' strong stance underscores the critical need for inclusive decision-making processes to prevent conflicts and promote harmony in tribal areas.
