SWAT: Police conducted a search operation against anti-state elements in the hilly areas of Matta tehsil and claimed that no militant was found there.

According to a statement, the search and strike operation was carried out in the hilly areas of Jana, Bahadar Banda, Kanala, Balasur, Letosar, Julbasar, Bakrosar, Narai Kharkai, Gohal, Kagah and Shekhan areas of Matta tehsil.

The statement said that apart from district police, rapid response force, special combat unit, district security branch and elite force participated in the operation.

The search and strike operation was conducted under the command of DSP Ghaniur Rehman and SHOs of Matta Kalakot and Chupriyal police stations.

“During the search and strike operation, police personnel climbed and passed through the difficult hills and destroyed the hideouts, houses and checkpoints of the terrorists. The police wound up the search and strike operation after clearing the entire area,” said the statement.

It stated that police were determined to bring the anti-state elements to justice. It added that no one would be allowed to disturb the peace of the district.

Ironically the search and strike operation was carried out after the militants, who had reportedly entered Swat, vacated the areas and returned to Afghanistan. The local sources also confirmed that a large number of the security forces left the areas and went back.

Since the reappearance of the militants, people from all walks of life took to the streets in Swat. They staged protests against militants and their supporters. They constantly demanded a decisive operation by Swat police to eliminate militants.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2022