More troops have been called in Swat valley to protect lives and properties of people besides ensuring peace and tranquility in the valley, NWFP information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Friday.
Talking to state-run TV channel, he said the provincial government is convinced that presence of forces is essential in the valley to achieve durable peace and to check anti-social elements.
ANP tried its best to ensure peace in Swat by holding dialogue. He criticised the local Taliban for violating the peace agreement inked with bilateral consent two months ago. He said there was a written agreement between the government and local Taliban that security forces would return after restoration of complete peace in the valley.
He blamed local Taliban for violating peace agreement as they demand immediate release of militants. Whereas government had agreed to release Taliban militants after fulfilling the legal requirements. NWFP government had also agreed to establish Qazi courts in the valley within a period of three months. A month still remains as a amended Shariat bill 1999 has already been sent to central government for approval. The government would establish Qazi courts soon after return of the Shariat bill.
On their (Taliban's) demand Islamic university has been established in Swat. A vice chancellor has already been appointed. More funds have also been released for the Islamic university. The security forces are not conducting any operation in Swat but are only protecting the lives and properties of the people and react only in self-defence. The government would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt peace of the valley. The people of the province are also convinced that Taliban are violating the agreement and are trouble makers.
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