Operation in Darra successful: Army

PESHAWAR (APP) - The operation against the militants has almost completed in Darra Adamkhel as security forces flushed out the miscreants from the restive armed manufacturing town and seized a huge cache of lethal arms and ammunition during the 12-day offensive.


"We will hand over the control of the Darra Adamkhel and suburban areas to political administration soon as the operation against the miscreants in the area has almost come to an end," a military officer said while briefing journalists about the outcome of operation at Darra Adamkhel and adjoining areas.


A huge quantity of arms and ammunition including Kalashnikovs, light machine guns, 6,000 rounds of heavy machine guns, detonators, batteries, repeaters, satellite radio receivers and other weapons have been recovered from the miscreants, he said.


In addition to this, he said 2,000 kg explosives fitted with detonators and batteries planted in a tower of cellular company in Darra Adamkhel have also been seized.


"If it had exploded, it would have played havoc in Darra bazaar bringing massive casualties besides destroying property", he cautioned. During the operation, he said 56 miscreants were killed while several others injured.


The FC troops have been deployed at all important locations and hilltops of Darra Adamkhel for smooth and peaceful journey of the motorists plying on Indus Highway. The military officials admitted local people's great help and support to the law enforcers in challenging the militants. The Security Forces moved to Darra after militants blew up link bridges in the area.


The writ of government in adjoining areas of Darra including Mattani, Adezai and Mumtaz Dam have been established as dozens of militants have been arrested by security forces.


Indus Highway and Kohat tunnels linking Peshawar with NWFP southern districts has been cleared from the miscreants, he said, adding that traffic is plying on Indus Highway and Pak-Japan Friendship tunnel will remain open for traffic from 7am to 7pm.


The Security Forces backed by tanks and APCs were seen patrolling in surrounding areas of police station Spina in Darra Adamkhel. The tribesmen of the area have lauded the law enforcing agencies timely action of security forces against militants and assured full support to government in maintaining law and order.


The tribal people of Kalakhel of Khyber Agency have formed a grand 'lashkar', comprising 5,000 people to fight against miscreants.


"We have established a 'lashkar' of 5,000 comprising Kalalhel tribesmen for launching campaigns against miscreants in the area," Malik Khanzada Khan told reporters. He said an 18-member peace committee of Kalakhel Khyber Agency has been formed will take decision regarding maintaining law and order in their area.


"We will fight shoulder to shoulder with our security forces and will not allow any foreign troops or militants to disrupt peace of our areas," Malik Haji Saleem Raza said.


"Certainly we will defend our areas from influence of militants and will protect and guards it from miscreant's activities by themselves", he added. Malik Saleem Raza said peace in Darra is extremely vital as the main Indus Highway is passing through it.


He said miscreants have destroyed peace of Darra town and the tribal people will not allow militants to enter again.


The tribesmen extended full support to security forces and assured them they that will utilise all their energies to maintain peace in their respective areas.