October 13, 2008	Monday	Shawwal 13, 1429

PESHAWAR, Oct 12: The administration of Malakand region requested the provincial government to launch aerial and ground operation against militants in Swat district, sources said.

“In view of the damaging of public and private properties by militants, we request the government to launch aggressive and full-fledged aerial and ground operation against militants in Swat district,” the administration requested the provincial government through a letter few days ago.

Expressing concern over what it called the sabotage activities of the militants in parts of Swat district, the letter also requested the government to take immediate measures to control the continuous advancement of militants.

It added that militants were narrowing their circle around Mingora city and traders and general public were extremely frightened. “The local militants are again setting up checkpoints at important locations around Mingora city due to which we fear that they can attack markets and people in the city,” the letter added.

The letter said that areas like Kabal and Matta had already become strongholds of the local Taliban but now they started patrolling posh areas of the city such as Marghuzar Town and Nawa Kelley in Mingora City. “Armed militants are openly patrolling these areas in pickups and other vehicles and people are at their mercy,” it added.

Sources added that the local administration had demanded a full-fledged operation against militants till their complete elimination. In case of any delay by the government, the sources quoting the letter said, militants would gain more strength. Any delay in the operation could embolden them and they could continue their march towards the areas where they had not come previously, it added.

Killing of two policemen in broad daylight by Taliban in Mingora city had boosted their morale and they could carry out such more activities if they were not immediately targeted by the government, it said.

The letter added that police were afraid of performing duties in the bazaar because of the killing of their colleagues.

“We appeal to the government to convene a meeting of MPAs and MNAs and other political leaders of Malakand region to discuss the matter on urgent basis. We strongly recommend to the government to start aerial as well as ground operation against militants in Swat,” the letter said. It also proposed that government should make arrangements to start joint police and army patrolling in Mingora.

Sources said that government had taken the letter seriously and was considering operation against militants to stop them from making footholds in Mingora city.

“Burring of schools and blasting of electricity and gas installations had also caused immense problems to the people and if the militants were left unchecked, they could destroy the remaining schools and health and other facilities,” said the letter.

Within a couple of days, they said, provincial government was likely to take important decision regarding Swat that would also include a “complete aerial operation.”