June 06, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-us-Sani 01, 1429

KOHAT, June 5: The Taliban of Darra Adam Khel are reported to have presented 12 demands to the government for restoring peace in the region at the first round of talks held at an unspecified place.

The government side was represented by Amir Mohammad Mehsud and Malik Ikramuddin Mehsud while Taliban representatives included Malik Gul Sanadin Bosti Khel, Malik Narbadin Bosti Khel, Malik Khayal Akbar Zarghun Khel, Malik Ghulam Badshah Akhorwal, Malik Sher Ahmed Tor Chappar and former MNA Baz Gul Afridi.The talks started on Wednesday evening and ended on Thursday night. The government team will inform the provincial government and the military authorities about the demands. The next round of talks is expected on Friday.

The Taliban have demanded withdrawal of security forces from Darra Adam Khel, payment of compensation for damage caused to houses of militants, release of their men, health and education facilities, special quota for Darra tribesmen in engineering and medical colleges, payment of royalty for the Kohat Tunnel, exemption from toll tax, reduction in CNIC and passport fees, establishment of a medical college in Darra Adam Khel, construction of small dams, afforestation of the area and unhindered supply of electricity.

The Taliban agreed to allow Khasadar personnel to resume work and asked the government to pay their salary.

It may be mentioned that the government has forwarded a five-point demand through tribal interlocutors to the Taliban for peace in Darra Adam Khel. Soon after the formation of a peace committee, the Taliban announced a ceasefire last week.

The government demands include safety of people using the Indus Highway in Darra Adam Khel and government property, release of kidnapped people and expulsion of foreign militants. In return, tribesmen have been promised substantial development funds.