PESHAWAR, July 15: The government on Saturday ordered release of two tribal militants known to have harboured foreign militants in South Waziristan in what is seen as a major concession to militants battling the armed forces in the restive tribal region.

An official statement said the release of the tribal came in response to the requests of the Shakai Peace Committee and a Jirga of South Waziristan.

“This is the first major and bold initiative by the new governor that will certainly pave the way for creation of good will among the Wazir tribe of Wana, ultimately leading to a sustainable peace in the restive South Waziristan,” the statement issued by the governor’s Fata Secretariat said.

Ida Khan and Dawar Khan, main harbourers of foreign militants in Shakai Valley, had surrendered in June, 2004.

Their release has been a key demand of militant commanders recently meeting government officials and emissaries.

While a major part of South Waziristan has been relatively quite after a unilateral ceasefire by militants, security forces and their installations have been coming under frequent rocket attacks in Shakai Valley.

Sources said that Maulvi Mohammad Omar, Spirkay Wazir, operating in Shakai Valley, have refused to respect the ceasefire till the release of the two militants.

It has been learnt that militants in North and South Waziristan have demanded release of a few dozen of the combatants as a key condition for cessation of hostilities.

Ida Khan and Dawar Khan’s release is expected to be followed by release of others.