LANDI KOTAL: A total of 1,089 surrendered militants have been de-radicalised and imparted skill trainings in different trades at Bara De-radicalisation Center since 2015.

This was said during a briefing given to Inspector General Frontier Corps Maj Gen Waseem Ashraf after completion of the training of the rehabilitated militants at the centre.

He was told that another batch of 81 suspected militants, who had either surrendered to the security forces or had been arrested during various military operations, was undergoing similar training and rehabilitation.

The centre, later named as Sabawon, was established in Bara in 2015 to impart education and skill development trainings to the suspected militants. Some of them voluntarily surrendered while some were arrested.

Speaking on the occasion, the IG FC said that the centre was established to provide proper guidance and rehabilitate those elements, who had been lured by militant groups into militancy.

He said that all those, who had successfully completed their training, had become useful citizens of the society and were positively utilising their skills and knowledge.

Mr Ashraf said that peace was restored in Bara and rest of the regions in tribal areas with the sacrifices of both security forces and local people. “Enemy countries are bent on destroying Pakistan but army with active support of civilians has thwarted all such designs of the enemy,” he said.

Later, he administered oath of a good conduct and patriotic citizens to those, who completed their rehabilitation courses. They were also awarded certificates.

Officials of the local administration, tribal elders and parents of the de-radicalised persons witnessed the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2018