January 13, 2009	Tuesday	Muharram 15, 1430

KOHAT, Jan 12: A ceasefire was enforced in Hangu on Monday after militants were assured by a jirga that they would be given a safe exit.

A ceasefire agreement between rival groups and the administration was signed on Sunday.

Kohat commissioner Umer Afridi, DIG Qudratullah Marwat, Hangu district nazim Khan Afzal and senior military officials were present on the occasion.

Initially, the warring groups refused to accept the agreement and continued attacks in several areas of the town, using heavy weapons.

They accepted the agreement after the Taliban decided to stop fighting and go back to their old positions.

The jirga, meanwhile, held talks with the district administration to work out modalities for a permanent ceasefire.

Heavily armed troops entered the city at 11 am, patrolled the bazaar and set up checkpoints.

The troops sealed all entrances to Hangu from Kohat, Orakzai Agency, Kurram Agency and North Waziristan and issued shoot-at-sight orders.

Only people needing emergency health treatment will be allowed to enter or pass through Hangu.

Helicopter gunships hovered over the town and fired warning shots to enforce the ceasefire.

The authorities said that a decision to relax or lift the curfew would be taken after reviewing the situation, which could take at least 48 hours. They said that the next two days were crucial for peace in the region.

The ceasefire was made possible by efforts exerted by leaders of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat who have close relations with the local and non-local Taliban. They made announcements through mosques that the agreement had been reached and the demand for a safe exit had been accepted. After getting the assurance, the Taliban combatants stopped firing and left the city.