Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Indefinite curfew imposed in Bannu, operation looms




PESHAWAR: Authorities have imposed an indefinite curfew in Bannu city amidst the probability of a security operation, a day after the military marched into the region.

The troops entered the region on Monday after the talks between local tribesmen and the political administration failed to produce a favourable outcome.

Security forces also fired artillery at militant positions in the region on Monday night, said official sources.

Janikhel and Bakakhel tribes had been warned by local authorities of a military action if they failed to expel local and foreign militants from their areas.

But tribal elders say they don’t have the power to confront the Taliban and therefore cannot give any guarantees to the government.

The two tribes have been blamed for the kidnapping of Razmak Cadet College students late last month. And security forces have detained one hundred tribesmen from the region for questioning.

Due to the seriousness of the situation, the University of Engineering and Technology Bannu has been shut down till the 23rd of June and scheduled examinations have been postponed.

No comments: