Troops take control of Fazlullah’s stronghold

RAWALPINDI—The security forces have strengthened their positions and dislodged many militants hideouts in on-going operation in Swat while houses of Maulana Fazlullah and Sirajullah were blown up. The locals garlanded the security forces in Matta and presented flowers and sweets as a token of love and respect for Pakistan Army.
Troops are now in full control of Barium Bridge and Matta, while proceeding towards Matta, security forces cleared the Matta police station and handed it over to the local police and the police stations of Khawaza Khaila and the security forces have already sanitized Madain, according to ISPR spokesman. Many terrorists bunkers have been destroyed and state of art equipments, including mobile jammers and devices for the identification of callers, locations are recovered. Handcuffs, Modern PCs and cellular phone are also taken in custody.
The locals appreciated the army efforts and welcomed their initiatives in clearing their areas from extremist elements. Majority of population showed lack of confidence and mistrust for miscreants and requested Pakistan Army to help them in order to restore a long lasting peace and harmony in valley. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Pakistan Army Major General Waheed Arshad has confirmed this incident.
While talking to private TV channel, he said that the residences of Maulana Fazalullah and his colleagues were searched located at Imam Dheri adding that the building of headquarter of Imam Dheri is considered as Madrassa was also searched and that was not Madrassa. He further said that it was ascertained that aforementioned building was being used for security purpose and a large number of ammunition recovered during search.
The spokesperson added that ammunition and bottles of liquor were also recovered during search of Maulana Fazalullah and Sirajullah’s houses and their residences were blown up on the demand of locals. He maintained that locals are cooperating with security forces and pointing out the hide out of militants where they (militants) used to target the locals.
In view of maintaining Law and Order in Swat, Government has decided to deploy Army troops on permanent basis for complete elimination of hideouts of terrorists. An Army Cantonment will be established in Swat, Caretaker Interior Minister Lt General retired Hamid Nawaz announced while talking to Journalists at a local hotel on Wednesday. Replying to a question, Caretaker Interior Minister said that in view to counter all kinds of extremism, it is extremely necessary to wipe out all the hideouts of terrorists in Swat.
He said that Army Cantonment is the need of hour to counter all aggressive measures. Responding to another query, Caretaker Interior Minister said that investigations are underway regarding the suicide bomb blast, first of its kind in which a female suicide Bomber blew herself in a high security zone in Peshawar. He further made it clear that in next 72 hours Aitizaz Ahsan, Ali Ahmed Khurd, Justice retired Tariq Mehmood and other detainees will be released adding that Government has already released 6000 detained political activists and Lawyers.—Agencies