BAJAUR AGENCY: Seventeen militants Friday surrendered to
the security forces in Charmang area of Tehsil Nawagi. In a ceremony
attended by senior civil and army officials, tribal elders, the
militants took oath on the Holy Quran, saying that in future they would
live in peace. “We will never participate in any of anti-state
activities,” they added. Later they told the media that a militant
commander had misguided them. “We were told such activities against the
forces were part of jihad.” Lt Colonel Sohail told the media that the
area was cleared of the militants after the successful operation.
“Militants in the whole area have been eliminated,” he said. About the
peace committees, he said that the committees and peace militia were
fully alert in different parts of the area. He also lauded the efforts
and cooperation of the local elders.