Exodus from Swat as 12 militants killed in raids

Swat—At least twelve local militants were killed and several other injured as a result of the fierce gun battle between the security forces and local Taliban here in the Swat valley on Sunday. According to details, fierce fighting erupted between the Local Taliban and security forces have resumed after a brief lull. As a result, two civilians while twelve local militants were killed in the fresh exchange of fire.
The locals also constituted a 25-member peace Jirga after announcement on the loudspeaker. The Peace Jirga held meeting with the local Taliban in order to know their stance. Later on the Peace Jirga will also meet with government authorities in order to inform their the stance of Local Taliban. However, they have not held meeting with the officials till filing of this report.
All is going well and issued would be solved amicably very soon. Kabal Police Station is also in the possession of Security Forces while security forces have also took control of the Frontier House. While in other parts of the Kabal supporters of Maulana Fazlullah are patrolling in the streets. They have also strong hold on Tehsil Matta. Reports said that local Taliban have given ultimatum to the security forces and police to evacuate the Matta Police Station till 2:00 pm of Sunday. Afterwards all the bazaars and shops were closed down.
Majority of the people in Tehsil Matta are migrating towards the safe places. While several other families have been restricted to their homes. There are also reports that Kalam Road has been closed for every kind of traffic. While several other roads such in Madian, Charbagh and Bahrain have also been closed.
Paramilitary forces effectively repulsed Taliban militants attacking a check post in Kabal area in restive Swat valley and capturing of any police installation by miscreants in the area is totally wrong, said NWFP Home Secretary, Badshah Gul Wazir. Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Secretary Home said no incident of exchange of fire was reported on Sunday, however the situation in tense.
In response to a question about closure of various roads for vehicular traffic in Swat, Home Secretary said only Mingora to Matta road is closed, while all other roads are open for all sort of traffic. He said except from Mingora to Matta road, security forces are patrolling in the whole valley and there is no restriction on movement of people of the area from one place to another.
He also rejected reports about clamping of unannounced curfew in some areas, he said when government imposes curfew it is announced. Bad Gul Wazir informed that Malakand Levy recovered a 25 kg remote control bomb from a nullah near Thana area on Saturday. The explosive was later defused by bomb disposal squad. He said tension prevails in some areas including Matta, Bariam, Sambat and Khawaza Khela where militants are holding positions in different localities and on the hill tops.
However, he added, security forces are fully alert and performing their duty in accordance with the strategy adopted for restoring writ of the government and peace in the area.About reports that rebellion leader, Maulana Fazalullah has returned to Swat from Kohistan district, Secretary Home said he has not received any confirmed report in this regard.—Agencies
He also responded in negation when asked about any contact between government and the militants for holding negotiations to resolve the matter peacefully.