ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Awami National Party’s estranged leader Khawaja Mohammad Khan Hoti said here on Sunday he would go to Swat in a few days to hold talks with Taliban for peace in the region.

Mr Hoti, who recently resigned from the federal cabinet in protest against military operations in tribal areas, told Dawn: “I will go to Swat and stay there to discuss peace, even if I am killed.” He said violence and war had nothing to do with the ideology of the ANP, adding that he would strive to get the military operations in the NWFP stopped.

He said he was warmly received when he returned to his constituency in Mardan after resigning from the cabinet.

He said people were fed up with the provincial government and veteran ANP leaders, like Afzal Khan Lala, should be given control of the party and the government.

“Those who have allowed bloodshed and supported military operations in the province do not represent the Pukhtuns. They are opportunists,” he said.

Mr Hoti said he had received a show-cause notice from the party, but he would stick to his principled stand till the acceptance of his demands of ending the military operations, unseating the chief minister and giving veteran ANP leaders their due role in the province.

He said he would not withdraw his resignation unless bloodshed in the province was stopped.

He said he could legally keep the ministerial accommodation for three months and the government car for two weeks after resigning.