30 killed as forces renew operation in Swat

[Naveed Yaseen]

ABDUL QADOOS
PESHAWAR (July 31 2008): More than 30 alleged militants were reportedly killed and several others injured as security forces renewed operation against the activists of local Taliban movement in subdivision Matta of district Swat.

The clash on Wednesday between security forces and local Taliban in tourist-attractive Swat valley occurred after a 70-day period of calm and signing of the much trumpeted peace agreement between the NWFP government and 'Taliban' of the area.

Severe clashes continued between local militants and security forces at Sarvanai Check-post, Sar Banda and other localities of the sub-division Matta. "At least 25 militants have been killed and several other injured in a clash at Sar Banda," said a release issued by the Media Centre Swat. However, Taliban rejected official claims, confirming killing of five militants and a few injuries.

The Taliban also attacked Police Station Matta where fierce fighting erupted between security forces and Taliban and 12 persons were reported killed and several other sustained injuries. Another Talib was killed in the battle at Vanai Check Post, where a person identified as Siraj was killed due to the firing of unknown persons at Khawaza.

The Taliban had blocked the roads through felling trunks of trees while security forces had the roads cleared after clamping of curfew in the district Swat for indefinite period. The security forces had reportedly taken over the control of Police Station Matta while Taliban claimed the responsibility of attacks on the armoured vehicle, PTDC Hotel, Malam Jaba and Army Rest House.

A girls middle school at Goli Bagh and four bridges at Gorara, Vaniyal, Baig Banar and Jora were destroyed after planting explosive under them by some unknown miscreants. The security forces also remained busy in operation for recovery of four personnel of Frontier Constabulary (FC) from Devlai. They pounded the hideouts of the militants from FC Camp Kanju and Kabal Rest House.

The ANP headed coalition government in NWFP is following three-pronged policy for establishment of peace in the district. The government in first instance is utilising political mean of negotiation and dialogue through traditional jirga system keeping reserve the use of force as a last option.

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