May 25, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 19, 1429

MINGORA, May 24: Government officials and local Taliban held a meeting on Saturday to monitor post-agreement developments in Swat.

The government side was represented at the meeting, held at the DCO office in Swat, by DIG of Malakand Tanveerul Haq Sipra, DCO Shaukat Khan and DPO Waqif Khan while Taliban side was led by Muslim Khan, the spokesman for Maulana Fazlullah. He was assisted by Ali Bakht and Mehmud Khan.

Muslim Khan said that the two side had discussed the withdrawal of cases against militants by the state during the fighting in Swat. He said lists were being prepared which would be completed by Tuesday.

The meeting also discussed compensation for militants whose houses and shops had been damaged during fighting with security forces. The local government would arrange funds, he said, adding that names of ‘deserving people’ would be forwarded to the government.

The DPO told Dawn that matters relating to the enforcement of ceasefire had been thoroughly discussed.

Referring to sporadic violence in the valley, Muslim Khan assured that Taliban would abide by the accord ‘at all costs’ and anyone who violated the terms of agreement ‘is the enemy of the state and Taliban’ and would be punished according to Shariat.

He said Taliban wanted Swat to become a model of peace and tranquility where protection of life and property would be guaranteed, adding that tourists and investors would feel secure in their area.

“Taliban will not allow foreign elements to interfere or abet violence in the district.”

Both the sides expressed satisfaction over the peace agreement.

Muslim Khan said Taliban and the government were sincere in honouring the truce.

Taliban said that the success of the peace deal depended on ‘complete enforcement of Shariat’.