KOHAT, June 9: The authorities have arrested five more tribesmen belonging to the Zarghunkhel and Akhurwal tribes of Darra Adam Khel, frontier region of Kohat, raising the total number to 29 in what is seen here as mounting the pressure for the surrender of three absconding criminals. Meanwhile, two platoons of the Frontier Constabulary were deployed at various routes leading to Peshawar and the Khasadar Force was checking vehicles to stop criminals from fleeing the area.

An official taking part in the ongoing operation told this reporter that the three accused Mir Said alias Charg, Munir and Ghazi, belonging to Darra Adam Khel, had again refused to give up despite many of their tribesmen had been arrested and a warning issued to demolish their houses.

All the three accused were still in Darra Adam Khel in the protection of some influential tribesmen.

The Darra tribesmen in a message delivered to the authorities on behalf of Mir Said on Wednesday evening said that he had denied the charge levelled against him of kidnapping of two men of Adizai tribe of Peshawar.

He termed it a ploy of the nazim of Adizai tribe to punish his arch rival Shamim alias Sra Megay (red ant), who was the friend of Mir Said, and that was not liked by Malakay, nazim of Adizai tribe.

Meanwhile, Malakay had accused Mir Said of demanding Rs800,000 as ransom for the release of his two men held hostage for the last 25 days.

On Wednesday, the DCO Kohat and the assistant political agent warned the tribesmen of serious consequences in case the criminals prolonged the drama.

Asked how could criminals known for their involvement in kidnapping for ransom, car lifting, smuggling of drugs and arms avoided arrest for such a long period, the source replied that both the parties enjoyed support of high officials and politicians.

Everybody knew that they had been in the illegal business for last 15 years, but no official had the courage to stop them. “They have now become filthy rich, influential and very powerful.”