HANGU, Jan 28: Peshawar Corps Commander, Lt-Gen Safdar Hussain, said on Friday that the government had no intention to launch any military operation in tribal agencies.

Speaking at a jirga during his visit to Hangu and Thall areas, the corps commander said that peace was necessary for development of the tribal areas. The government would not allow a handful of elements to sabotage peace and harmony and stall the development process initiated in the tribal region, he added.

Lt-Gen Hussain said that he would take up the issue of funds allocation for tribal areas with NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah to accelerate the pace of development process. However, he said, it would be necessary to ensure the security and safety of the staff working on development projects.

The corps commander urged tribesmen to resolve their differences and extend cooperation to the government in restoring a lasting peace to these areas. He said that the military operation in South Waziristan had been completed and terrorist elements had been flushed out from the region.

No further action would be initiated if the suspected elements refrained from harming the development process and peace in the agency. On this occasion, the corps commander inaugurated an army public school and college in Hangu and said that the college would be upgraded to the degree level by 2007.

During his visit to the Thall Army Hospital, he announced free check-up facility for civilians. He also announced Rs100,000 for the construction of a hostel in the army public school for girls in Thall.