26 August 2004	Thursday	09 Rajab 1425

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PESHAWAR, Aug 25: The Utmankhel tribe of the South Waziristan region has signed an agreement with the political administration under which they would purge their area of anti-social elements and protect it from foreign militants.

According to the agreement, the Utmankhels, a sub-tribe of the Ahmadzai-Wazir tribe, would also hand over wanted elements to the authorities, said a handout issued here on Wednesday.

The tribe also furnished a guarantee of Rs10 million - one-fourth of which has been deposited in cash. It may be added that Javed Khan, one of the seven most wanted tribal militants, belongs to the tribe.

A jirga comprising elders of the Karmaz Khel, Karay Khel, Khanday Khel, Desi Khel and Ada Khel sub-tribes called on NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah on Wednesday and assured him that they would abide by the agreement and purge their area of anti-state and unwanted elements.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said the government had no grudge against tribesmen. He urged them to ensure self-security of their areas and avoid giving shelter to foreign elements who were creating problems in the country.

He said if a peaceful atmosphere prevailed as a result of the agreement, the government would ensure development activities in the region.