Locals urge authorities to provide them with basic necessities. PHOTOS: FILE

Galoch village, with a population of 8,000, is one of the biggest villages of Kabal Tehsil, located some 20 kilometres from Mingora. The village stood its ground against militants by forming a lashkar that not only defeated the militants, but eliminated them from their village. Unfortunately, victory came with a hefty price tag as 72 villagers were killed during the insurgency and dozens of houses were destroyed.

“We have been playing our role in defeating the Taliban for the last two years but during this time our crops were destroyed, our houses were demolished and our people were killed – and in return, we got nothing,” said Yousaf Khan, a local defence committee chairman. “We have not been compensated for our losses to this day. Our elected bodies don’t even bother to visit this village.”

Mohammad Tahir Shah Bacha Je, one of the elders of Galoch village whose house was destroyed during the insurgency, complains of insufficient funds.

“Our house worth Rs3 million was destroyed during heavy shelling and bombardment but we will only receive Rs150,000 as compensation,” he told. “We hear reports of millions of dollars coming in for rehabilitation of Swat but we have yet to see any of it.”

The loss of human life in Galoch has been higher than in any other area of Swat.

Ziauddin, whose brother was ruthlessly killed by militants, shares his disappointment with the government’s response. “We are in constant threat of reprisal for our valiant efforts against militants yet our village has been ignored by both, government and non-government organisations.”

After years of destruction, the people of Galoch have come to terms with their losses but fail to understand why basic facilities, such as water supply and education have not been provided by the government.

“A primary school only has two rooms and two teachers for six classes and the only high school in the area has no furniture,” said Rahmat Ali, a school teacher.

Published in , November 18th, 2011.