LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), April 11: Newly appointed Political Agent Ameeruddin of the Khyber Agency has said that his administration has established backdoor channels with the Ansaar-ul-Islam and Lashkar-i-Islam for peaceful resolution of the Tirah conflict.

Talking to newsmen in Jamrud after the inauguration of the Levies Complex at Shah Kas, Mr Ameeruddin said the move had been taken to avoid use of force by the government.

He said that he remained in constant touch with the elders of the area and leaders of both the warring groups so that he could learn about the differences between the two groups.

The Khyber administrator dispelled the impression that the previously-appointed pro-administration jirga had been withdrawn and insisted that the jirga would be recalled whenever necessary.

He said that the jirga had temporarily suspended its negotiations, adding that it would resume its task once the modalities for a ceasefire had been sorted out.

Mr Ameeruddin said that accelerating development schemes in Khyber would be among his priorities.