September 19, 2008	Friday	Ramazan 18, 1429

MINGORA, Sept 18: The Swat Taliban released eight policemen on Thursday, more than 50 days after they were taken hostage.

Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan told newsmen that the release of policemen and an earlier release of 25 Frontier Corps personnel, on Sept 15, was made in deference to Ramazan.

Another five policemen would also be freed soon, he added.

The Taliban had taken the police and FC personnel in custody on July 29 after surrounding a checkpost in Deolai area of Kabal tehsil.

The policemen, who were set free in Nihag Darra, Upper Dir, included ASI Zarab Gul, Mian Qasim Khan, Fazle Karim, Abdullah, Sayed Qayyum, Sher Alam, Deyar Khan and Ghani Gul.

Muslim Khan said the kidnapped Chinese engineers were safe, but any decision about their release had not been taken as yet. He said the Chinese embassy was constantly in touch with the Taliban.

Two soldiers shot dead

Dacoits shot dead two military personnel and injured another after looting them near Ayoub bridge in Swat valley on Thursday.

An ISPR statement said the security personnel were leaving for home to celebrate Eid when “miscreants” killed them. The dead were identified as Subedar Ashraf and sepoy Jehangir. The troops cordoned off the area.

In Madain, security forces killed a man after he violated the curfew.

Locals said Amer Khaliq, a mentally retarded man, had ignored repeated warnings to keep away while he was approaching a checkpost.