July 03, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 28, 1429

LANDI KOTAL, July 2: Security forces arrested 11 activists of Lashkar-i-Islam and 20 tribesmen for violating curfew in Bara on Wednesday, while the banned group’s chief Mangal Bagh vowed to continue his ‘mission to reform the society’.

“We will not attack troops even if they destroy our houses,” the Lashkar-i-Islam chief told journalists at his base in Tirah Valley.

“We are not involved in illegal activities. Our organisation is working to reform the society and eradicate social evils,” he said.

He denied that his group had links with Al Qaeda, Taliban or any other militant organisation. He said his supporters would not attack paramilitary forces.

He said he would not accept the ban on his organisation and would continue his struggle against criminals.

He urged federal Environment Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi to resign from the cabinet and the National Assembly in protest against the operation.

Meanwhile, Bara town remained under curfew. The 11 arrested activists of the group included a commander, Amal Khan. They were going to Tirah Valley where the group is fighting a rival faction.

A handout issued in Peshawar said the troops also seized seven AK-47 and three 9mm and .303 rifles. In all, 87 people have been arrested during the operation in the area.