July 31, 2008	Thursday	Rajab 27, 1429

KOHAT, July 30: Militants holding talks with a tribal jirga in Orakzai Agency released on Wednesday two hostages they had kidnapped along with eight officers of the Water Management Board on June 30.

The militants, who are still holding 23 people, have demanded release of their seven commanders and withdrawal of troops from the area in return for their freedom.

The two hostages released on Wednesday are Jan Akbar and driver Abdul Wahab.

According to sources, the imprisoned militants, among them a lieutenant of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud, held a protest in the jail cell on Tuesday against what they called maltreatment, shortage of water and discontinuation of power supply.

The jail authorities requested a former MNA to ask the militants to stop creating trouble. The water and electricity supply was restored.

The MNA also discussed the condition of the inmates with District Coordination Officer Sajjad Ahmed.

The jirga which had gone to Orakzai Agency with a list of demands given by the government conveyed it to local Taliban chief Mullah Kareem.

Meanwhile, security forces deployed in Hangu are on standby to deal with the situation if the talks fail.