MINGORA, June 29: At least six people, two security personnel among them, were killed and several others were injured on Sunday as Tehrik-i-Taliban Swat suspended talks with the government.

Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan told newsmen at the Mingora press club by phone that the decision to suspend talks had been taken on the directives of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud. However, he said the agreement signed by the Taliban with the NWFP government would remain intact.

He said the talks scheduled for Monday with the Swat administration in Saidu Sharif had been postponed.

A Swat Media Centre spokesman said the militants attacked a security patrol in Ronyal area of Matta tehsil with a remote-controlled bomb, killing two personnel. The security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

The security forces arrested five suspects and seized weapons. The detained suspects were taken to some place for interrogation.

The Taliban spokesman denied the movement’s involvement in the attack. He said enforcement of Sharia and implementation of the Swat peace accord signed on May 21 was the way to resolve the crisis.

Basher Khan, brother of former PML-Q MPA Qaimos Khan, was killed in an attack on his house in Jannu area of Khwazakhella. The assailants fled when some local people opened fire on them.

Also in Ronyal area, one Pervez Khan and his servant Qasim were killed in their guest room.

Sher Bacha, 32, was killed by a stray bullet when he was asleep in the home of his sister in Naran area of Kabal tehsil.

A 10kg bomb planted in Qamber on the outskirts of Mingora was defused. Another 20kg bomb was found in Khairabad area.

At least 25 shops were damaged in an explosion in Darya Khan market in Mingora bazaar.