UPPER DIR, Sept 17: The security forces continued to comb areas near Afghan border on the third consecutive day to hunt down the perpetrator of the attack that killed Maj-Gen Sanaullah along with other army men in Upper Dir district.

The army and police took part in the search operation but no major breakthrough was reported. The residents of several areas faced problems as they could not leave their homes owing to imposition of curfew.

The bazaar of Shahikot, a small town in the area, remained closed for the third consecutive day that caused problems to both people and shopkeepers.

However, there was calm and peace in other parts of the district and business centres remained open and traffic flow was normal on roads.

Meanwhile, people have demanded of the government to revise the decision of pulling out army from Upper Dir as it is protecting the border with Afghanistan and keeping the militants based in Kunar province of the neighbouring at bay.

Chief Minister Pevez Khattak has approved a phased wise withdrawal of security forces from Malakand division, beginning from Buner and Shangla districts.

“We have helped the army set up checkposts along the border as the troops are there to protect the border. The deployment of army has stopped attacks by militants having sanctuaries in Kunar, therefore, we ask the government not to pull army from the area,” said Mohammad Bacha, a resident of the area. Gulab Mohammad, another resident of the area, said people had been fighting militants before the arrival of army in the border areas. “Now army has taken not only the responsibility but has also secured the border,” he added.

The attack that killed the general officer commanding of Malakand and lieutenant colonel took place after a pause of more than a year.

The residents of the area said that before deployment of army, militants led by Maulana Fazlullah would attack the border villages and kill civilians and police officials.

However, people want security personnel to restrict its deployment to the border areas and stop what they call harassing civilians at checkpoints.

They said that security forces should reduce their visibility in towns and peaceful areas.

Akbar Khwaja, Ghulam Ali and other residents of the area said that security forces were harassing people at checkpoints in Shahikot, Barawal, Chukiatan, Panakot and other areas. “We have helped and assisted army personnel and will continue to cooperate with them and expect them to respect local people,” Ghulam Ali said.