November 11, 2008	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 12, 1429

KHAR, Nov 10: Ten militants surrendered on Monday to political authorities in Bajaur while seven others were killed and five were wounded when security forces attacked their hideouts in Mamond tehsil on Monday.

Three important sub-clans of the Mamond tribe —

Barozai, Bermkazai, and Oweryazai — held a jirga on Monday and decided to speed up f the tribal force’s activities to help the government establish its writ in the region.

The Utmankhel tribe, the second largest tribe in Bajaur, handed over 10 militants out of 14 wanted by the government on charges of subversive activities, including attacks on government installations at a jirga in Khar.

Malik Qadar Khan, an elder of the tribe, said: “We will soon surrender the remaining wanted persons.” Another jirga of the Mamond tribe was also held in Khar amid tight security. The meeting was attended by Bajaur’s Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Jamil Khan and more than 300 tribal elders.

The jirga decided to strengthen the tribal lashakar and accelerate action against militants to restore peace.

It also decided to set up more check-posts in their area.

Mr Jamil said the Mamond tribesmen had sought10 days for taking action against militants, but they had yet to take any major initiative.

A pro-government tribal elder escaped unhurt when a remote-controlled bomb planted by militants went off on a road near Belut in Mamond tehsil on Monday.

The tribal leader, Malik Arsal Khan, was on his way to attend the jirga in Khar. Four militants were injured.

Militants blew up the compound of Malik Bahadur Khan in the Gang area of Salarzai, killing one person.

Security forces also attacked militants’ positions in Zorbandar and Sabagi areas in Khar.

Helicopter gunships were seen hovering over the agency.

Meanwhile, large numbers Afghan refugees are hastening to cross the border into their country as a three-day deadline ending on Tuesday nears expiry.