WANA, July 10: Suspected militants and security forces exchanged heavy fire on Saturday evening in the volatile South Waziristan tribal region as authorities contemplated reviving economic sanctions on the tribes.

Witnesses said militants fired rockets and mortars at the Zari Noor Army brigade headquarters at around 7.30pm inviting artillery response from the security forces. The duel continued till the filing of this report at 8.30pm.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties from the two sides.

The latest attack came as the authorities told a tribal jirga the government was reimposing economic sanctions which were partially relaxed 10 days ago to give time to the tribes to prove their sincerity by handing over the wanted militants. The government step was also meant to enable them to transport their fruits and vegetables to upcountry.

The jirga that included MNA Maulana Abdul Malik asked the administrator, Mr Asmatullah Gandapur, to extend the relaxation. But Mr Gandapur told the jirga members that it was beyond his powers and a decision to that effect could only be taken by NWFP Governor Lt-Gen Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah, a tribal elder told Dawn.

He said the reimposition of economic sanctions could badly hit their tomatos and apricots ready to be transported to the market.

Tribal elders have sought more time from the administration in the region to secure the surrender of the two wanted militants who had earlier refused to give themselves up to the authorities.

A 60-member jirga led by a former MNA Maulana Noor Mohammad called on Regional Administrator Asmatullah Khan Gandapur in Wana on Saturday.

Official sources said that the elders asked the administrator to give more time to the jirga members to secure unconditional surrender of Mohammad Javaid and Maulvi Abbas.

The two wanted militants had met a select group of tribal elders ,including Maulana Noor Mohammad, MNA Maulana Abdul Malik and MNA Maulana Mirajuddin, at an undisclosed location west of Wana on Friday.

The wanted militants, according to Maulana Noor Mohammad, had refused to surrender. However, they had assured the elders that they would not provide shelter or help foreigners and were ready to furnish guarantees of good conduct to the government.

Mr Gandapur reportedly informed the jirga that he would discuss the matter with the governor who would give a final reply in this respect.