KHAR (Agencies) - Tribesmen signed a deal with authorities Monday, promising not to shelter militants in a tribal area on the Afghan border where the military said the Taliban had been defeated.
The 28-point deal came as Taliban fighters released five soldiers who were kidnapped when the military launched a massive operation in Bajaur six months ago and after five rebels were killed in clashes with troops.
Government launched the offensive last August to stop militants attacking foreign troops in Afghanistan from safe havens over the border.
Residents say reconstruction and basic services such as water and electricity are desperately important if peace efforts are to last in Bajaur.
The blueprint was signed by tribal elders from Mamoun, the most populous district in the semi-autonomous tribal region of Bajaur, and government officials in Khar, the main town in the area.
“Tribal elders assured the government that militants will lay down arms and live peacefully in Mamoun under the deal,” local administration official, Shafirullah Khan, told reporters after the signing ceremony.
He said that all militant organisations would be disbanded in the area and that the writ of government would be restored.
“Foreign militants will not be harboured by anyone in Mamoun and rebels will not set up any training camps,” Khan added.
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