The militants in district Swat on Tuesday were reported to have extended cease-fire for an indefinite period. According to a report, they took the decision in the light of the presentation of 10 demands by TNSM chief Sufi Mohammad in a meeting of the 'Shura' of the Tehrik-e-Taliban, Swat, held at undisclosed place in Matta, district Swat, chaired by Fazalullah, head of the organisation.
The militants also decided that during the cease-fire they would not inflict any damage to security forces and government installations. The people of Swat have welcomed the extension in the cease-fire, and the decision was being declared a milestone towards the establishment of peace in the district.
According to another report, four security personnel, kidnapped from Kabal, were also set free on Tuesday morning. Muslim Khan, spokesman of the militant organisation, confirmed the unconditional release of the security personnel. Life is fast moving towards normalcy in Swat and all bazaars in Mingora City have been opened and people were busy in shopping.
NWFP Minister for Information Iftikhar Hussein welcomed demands and proposals presented by Sufi Muhammad for bringing peace in Swat. He said that the government would thoroughly look into the matter and early steps would be taken in this regard. The minister said that army would be sent back after restoration of peace in the district. He said that Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti would soon visit Swat district. Mohammad Ayub Khan, NWFP Minister for Science & Information Technology, who represents the district, said he was hopeful that the enforcement of Nizam-e-Adl Regulations would help resolve most of the problems.
AFP ADDS: Pakistan security forces on Tuesday suspended operations in Bajaur after militants announced a unilateral cease-fire, officials said. "Security forces have decided to observe a four-day cease-fire across Bajaur," local government official, Shafirullah Khan, told reporters.
A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the truce in the semi-autonomous Bajaur district, describing the decision as a "goodwill gesture" at the request of tribal elders. He said tribal leaders want to hold peace talks with militants in order to negotiate a permanent peace in the area, where the government launched a massive military offensive last August.
"However security forces reserve the right to retaliate if they come under attack," the security official said. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) deputy chief Maulvi Faqir Mohammad said in a radio broadcast his militants had responded positively and vacated Inayat Killey, an insurgent stronghold outside Bajaur's main town of Khar.
Officials said security forces agreed to the truce to allow tribal elders a chance of negotiating a durable peace in the area, where observers have said the government was nearing victory after its massive, months-long campaign.