December 08, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 9, 1429

MINGORA, Dec 7: Local Taliban abandoned a number of strongholds after holding talks with Qaumi Aman Jirga to avert a possible military operation, sources said on Sunday.

They said that security forces accompanied by the jirga members entered Nangolai, Bara Bandai and Chota Kalam areas and conducted search after the Taliban withdrew from their strongholds.

Swat Media Centre, a mouth piece of the security forces, however said in a statement that troops had taken control of the area after successful operation and established government writ.

“Local people welcomed security forces and chanted slogans ‘Long lives Pak Army,” it added.

The jirga chief, Syed Inamur Rehman, told Dawn that Taliban abandoned their positions in Nangolai, Bara Bandai and other adjacent areas after talks with the jirga. He said that later the security forces entered the area and after security clearance went back to their base camp.

He said that security forces had imposed undeclared curfew in parts of Kabal tehsil and Kanju area to avoid any mishap during the talks with Taliban.

He said that the talks were held with Taliban after the security forces had ordered people to vacate their houses to conduct a siege and search operation in the areas.