GHALANAI, Nov 1: The Taliban in the Momand Agency have assured tribal elders that they will resume their negotiations with a 60-member jirga next week, it is learnt.

Sources said Taliban naib amir Sangeen Khan had told a 12-member jirga of tribal elders that talks would be restarted on November 8 after the return of his colleagues to the agency.

In a meeting with local elders at the Hujra of Malak Zahir Shah in Qandaharo area of Lakaro tehsil, Mr Khan said the Taliban would keep their promise of not displaying weapons during the talks, the sources said. He said they would also not harass government employees.The talks were suspended on October 24 after the Taliban and the administration refused from their respective positions.

In a TV interview, local Taliban commander Khalid Omar had announced suspension of talks after a military operation was launched in Swat.