MIRAMSHAH, June 2: The visits of senior civil and military officials to different areas of North Waziristan Agency and inauguration of development schemes after a long period surprised local residents here on Thursday.

Sources said that the visits were meant to convey a message that situation was quite normal and the residents were living peacefully.

Political Agent Yahya Khan Akhunzada along with Brigadier Azam Tareen and officials of different departments visited Miramshah, Mirali and several main villages and participated in the functions held to inaugurate development programmes in the areas.

According to media reports government has planned a military operation against Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters in the tribal region.

During the past couple of years, officials of political administration had confined themselves to their offices and avoided visiting public places owing to insecurity. The political agent himself could not travel by road since militancy plagued the agency.

Residents said that after four years they saw senior officials walking around in bazaars and villages in a relaxed mode without security.

The political agent went to Ghulam Khan and Saidgai areas where he inspected the site specified for a road that would link Indus Highway with the Afghan border. The project will cost Rs5 billion.

Later, he visited Mirali Town where he held meting with elder at the residence of Malik Sher Khan. He also attended a jirga in Miramshah village and met journalists in press club.

Mr Akhunzada on this occasion ruled out military operation in the area and claimed that exemplary peace prevailed in North Waziristan. He urged elders not to pay attention to the media reports about military action, saying that opening of Cadet College Razmak proved that situation was normal. The college was reopened early this week after two years.