By Aamir Latif
BANNU, Pakistan
In the company of soldiers, more than 200 displaced Pakistanis prepared on Tuesday to leave the shelter camps they have spent the last nine months of their lives in.
They have finally been allowed to return to their homes in North Waziristan, the epicenter of a Pakistani army operation to wipe out Taliban militants since June 2014.
They were the first of families from villages near the town of Spinwam who, between March 31 and April 23, will head the first phase of rehabilitation. They return with a sum of 35,000 Pakistani rupees ($350) for transportation and initial expenses, as well as six months of rations.
Alongside their sense of joy and excitement, the returnees were aware that their troubles will continue. While the army claim they have cleared the region of militants, there will still be strict security measures in place, including night curfews and restricted movement during the days.
Despite a sense of joy and excitement, life for returnees will not be easy back home. They will have to live under a strict security check.
"I am not quite sure what kind of life is awaiting us there but I have heard about certain restrictions, which worry me," said Safdar Hussein, a resident of Shahmiri village, told Anadolu Agency.
While some of those returning pronounced their support for the Pakistan army, Safdar, standing in a queue to receive the small stipend for rehabilitation, said he does not know where to start rebuilding his life.
"I don't know. I will see once back home," he said.
Spinwam was one of the least affected towns of North Waziristan, with the majority of houses and shops in tact. Unlike much of the rest of the region, only a third of the town's population were forced to leave by the ongoing military operation.
"I had seen my house from the main road a few months ago. It looked like it was intact but will definitely need repairs. The money we are provided with is not enough to cope with rehabilitation expenses. But we have no choice," said Safdar, a father of three.
With a soldier standing nearby, Mohammad Akram, who works as a driver, spoke of his excitement.
"We will celebrate once get home," he said, his face devoid of expression.
As the soldier moved away, Akram admitted that he had no idea about what to expect at home.
"I admit that life will not be that easy but at least it will be better than what it has been here [in the camps]," said Akram. "We at least will be on our own land."
