KOHAT, May 14: Police on Saturday arrested 13 leaders of armed movement of Muhammadzai and sealed its office for running parallel policing system in the area.

After holding a meeting with some Muhammadzai elders here, District Police Officer Mubarek Zeb said that the movement had been banned and its office sealed for challenging the government's writ. However, he allowed renaming of the movement as Islahi Committee, whose members would not carry arms and only confine to social activities. It would comprise 15 members.

The armed Ghazi Rajab Khan movement had been patrolling the borders with Orakzai Agency and the street of the area along with police for last many years to curb crime. A week ago, the armed members of the movement had beaten up four policemen, who asked them to surrender arms and stop patrolling the area.

The movement was formed for fighting wars with the Bezote tribesmen after they occupied Muhammadzai people's mountain and land. The DPO also demanded surrender of the remaining men involved in beating of the policemen. On the request of elders, the movement was allowed to start social work and leave the land dispute to the government.