SWAT, Feb 16: Over 75 militants surrendered unconditionally along with their weapons to security forces at a ceremony here in the Kanju Police Line Swat on Saturday.

According to press release issued by the Swat Media Centre, the surrendering militants were being documented, community elders were signing affidavits and police were registering their names and addresses to monitor their behaviour and activities.

The militants began surrendering on January 24, 2008, initially from the worst-hit areas of Swat. The numbers swelled up to over 100 militants and sympathisers. As of now, over 175 militants have surrendered to the security forces.

District Coordination Officer Arshad Majid addressed the gathering and welcomed the surrender. He said violence was not a solution to problems and added that development without peace and security was impossible in the country.

He said the federal government had announced a Rs3 billion package for the development of the Swat valley. He called upon the people to forge unity in their ranks and be cautious of the elements trying to harm the tourism industry of the valley.

He said that no law could be enforced in the area by taking the law into one’s hands. He said the writ of the government should be established at all costs.

The ceremony was attended by DIG Akhtar Ali Shah, DPO Waqif Khan, SP (Investigation) Rafique Khan, officials and media persons.

Meanwhile, Unknown persons blew up a telephone exchange office in Charbagh’s Allaabad Kozabanda on Saturday. The building was destroyed and around 10,000 phone lines to Khwazakhela and Matta were affected. Adjoining buildings were also partially damaged in the blast.