August 30, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 27, 1429

KHAR, Aug 29: Tension gripped the Bajaur region after militants and tribesmen prepared each other’s positions in Banqool area and the Salarzai jirga announced formation of a tribal lashkar of 1,300 men.

Three suspected militants were killed and seven others were injured when security forces backed by artillery and helicopter gunships pounded Malkana, Chothra, Ghakhi and Berakai areas with mortar and canon shells.

The lashkar organised by the Salarzai tribe dug trenches and set up bunkers near Pashat in Banqool area.

And about 800 militants of Taliban’s Naimatullah group came out of their hideouts to confront the lashkar.

The group has occupied a number of girls’ schools in the area and set up its headquarters and courts in them.

The Salarzai jirga has sent delegations to Malasaid, Banda, Berakai and Baro areas to inform the tribes about actions they planned against the Taliban.

A member of the jirga told Dawn that teams would also be sent to other areas to form a huge lashkar, adding that the tribesmen were determined to wage a decisive fight.