DARRA ADAMKHEL, Feb 3: Security forces combing the Kohat Frontier Region for suspected hideouts of militants, demolished a number of torture cells, a sub-jail and the headquarters of local militants, officials and residents said.
The militants’ headquarters was demolished in the Paya area of Tor Chappar on Sunday. A mufti used the place to decide religious matters and issue decrees. The building also housed a sub-jail.
In the Bostikhel area, a torture cell, a terrorist training camp and an arms depot were destroyed in a swoop by the forces. A garage was found where stolen government vehicles used to be kept.
Paramilitary forces backed by army troops mopped up some hideouts and blew them up.
The Darra town, meanwhile, remained calm but tense.
Residents said that the forces also carried out raids in the Akhorwal area and demolished a temporary training camp for militants.
Also on Sunday, local elders and political administration personnel held a jirga at the Zarghunkhel checkpoint to discuss measures to restore peace.
Officials said that the political administration had directed the Khasadar Force to resume their duties as soon as possible. A large number of Khasadars had vacated their posts and refused to report for duty.
The administration has asked traders to open shops and markets in the town immediately. However, they have been advised to avoid firing in the air till further orders.
Our correspondent adds from Kohat: Security forces recovered a huge quantity of stolen arms and ammunition during clean-up operation against militants, officials said. The ammunition in one of the Taliban headquarters included 120mm and 130mm mortars, 400kg of explosives and a large number of land-mines. The ammunition had been stolen by the militants from five military trucks on Jan 23 and dumped in the Bostikhel area.
