DARRA ADAMKHEL, Feb 14: Security forces moved tanks and launched a massive search operation in Darra Adamkhel on Thursday after rockets were fired on telecommunication installations.

The return of militants to the area and their attack on the main telecommunication centre installed on a hill near the Friendship tunnel caused panic among local people.

The staff of the tunnel sent message to security forces and seeking help, and troops backed by five tanks entered the Darra town and started looking for assailants in Shini Kali and Zarghun Khel areas, considered to be militant stronghold.

An official said that a pick-up used in the attack, had been seized and its driver detained. He said that missiles and rockets were also found in the vehicle.

The main Indus Highway remained closed for traffic for more than one hour.

Abdul Sami Paracha adds from Kohat: Officials are preparing a list of wanted criminals and militant commanders the tribesmen will be required to hand over to the administration of the frontier region of Kohat, Dawn has learnt.

The list of wanted criminals and militants was to be handed over on Wednesday under an agreement reached with elders of six major tribes.

But it was delayed for reconfirming the names of the criminals in order not to provide any pretext to the tribesmen to go back on the agreement. The wanted include 16 on the most wanted list of the federal interior ministry.

The political agent said that there were about 48 militants and criminals involved in killing security personnel, kidnapping for ransom, car theft, attempted murder, looting and killing passengers and damaging the Kohat tunnel during last month’s military operation.

He said that he believed they were still hiding in Darra Adamkhel and, therefore, it was the responsibility of the tribesmen under a clause of the Frontier Crimes Regulations to arrest them.

He said that the list would be handed over to the representatives of Zarghun Khel, Akhorwal, Sheraki, Bosti Khel, Tor Chappar and Jawaki tribes, in a couple of days.

The Jawaki tribe has assured the administration that no criminal or militant is hiding in their area.

However, the five other tribes have been hesitating in going after the militants.