PESHAWAR, Jan 12: Troops will be deployed permanently in some parts of federally-administered tribal areas (Fata) to enhance security in areas closer to the country’s border with Afghanistan, official sources told Dawn here on Thursday.

Breaking away from the past, the federal government has decided to deploy troops in some of the sensitive areas of Fata, best known as inaccessible areas, where government is maintaining the Khasadar Force for security.

According to a proposed plan, pickets will be constructed along the border. Initially, the government will station 2,000 troops or paramilitary troops in the hilly Terah Valley.

Islamabad for the first time moved the army to the area following reports that Arab suspects may sneak into the tribal territory via Spin Ghar(White Mountain) to flee the intense US bombing on caves in Tora Bora.

The sources said deployment of forces in Kurram and Khyber regions would facilitate the government to strengthen its security along the border and also check cross-border movement of contraband.

The political administrations of Khyber and Kurram Agencies introduced a local security force, Khasadar Force, which is responsible for the maintenance of law and order.  

Political authorities deputed around 3,000 Khasadars in their respective inaccessible areas. The security system was said to have been introduced to appease tribal elders.

Besides deploying forces in the area, the government has undertaken work on Peshawar-Parachinar Road, which will pass through the Terah Valley.

Official sources said the government had earmarked Rs520 million for the project on which the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) had begun work.

The 60-mile-long road will not only serve strategic purposes, but will also link inaccessible parts of the region with Peshawar.