August 22, 2008	Friday	Sha'aban 19, 1429

KHAR, Aug 21: At least 11 people were killed and 15 others were injured when security forces attacked suspected hideouts of militants in Salarzai and Mamond tehsils of Bajaur Agency on Thursday.

The forces backed by helicopter gunships pounded Taliban positions with mortar and artillery shells in Ghakhi, Dak Qilla, Darra, Talay Kalley and Banda areas of Salarzai tehsil and Dabbar, Kharky and Damadola areas of Mamond tehsil. The attacks which started on Wednesday night continued on Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-i-Islami’s Bajaur chapter held a protest demonstration in Munda town of Dir Lower against the military operation. A large number of displaced people from various relief camps in Dir participated in the demonstration.

The speakers alleged that innocent civilians were being killed in bombings.

They criticised the government for ignoring the situation in relief camps which, they said, lacked basic amenities.