March 30, 2006	Thursday	Safar 29, 1427

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LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), March 29: Nearly 50 families left the Nala-Malikdinkhel area in Bara on Wednesday after the authorities issued notices about an impending operation against supporters of Mufti Munir Shakir.

Government officials had on Tuesday warned of operation against the followers of both Pir Saifur Rehman and Mufti Shakir if they did stop attacks against each other.

A representative jirga of local elders is in constant contact with government officials to prevent any operation in the area.

The situation in Bara on Wednesday was relatively calm as no more clashes occurred between the supporters of the two rival religious groups.

However, schools, markets and other public places remained closed and roads gave a deserted look as most of the area residents remained indoors for the fear of more bloody clashes.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the political administration’s inability to control the deteriorating law and order in Bara, the Bara Tajir Ittehad on Wednesday announced that they would observe an indefinite strike if the administration failed to provide them protection.

Sources in Bara said that the self-proclaimed commander of the Lashkar-i-Islam, Mangal Bagh, had issued a warning through his FM radio station to Haji Zareef, his opponent, to either surrender before the Lashkar or face reprisal.

In a speech to his supporters, Mangal Bagh announced continuation of his activities against his opponents and refused to closed down his radio station.

Sources said that the bodies of the 12 Afghan nationals, killed in Tuesday’s clashes, were taken to Shabqadar for burial as the Mufti supporters had earlier announced that they would not allow their burial in Bara.

The authorities have, in the meantime, deployed Khasadar force and Mehsood Scouts at sensitive locations in Bara to prevent any incident of violence.

It was learnt that at least a dozen of Mufti supporters had been taken into custody by the local administration.