MINGORA, July 23: At least four persons were killed in separate incidents of violence in volatile Swat valley on Wednesday.

In first incident a local Sardar and two women of his family were killed by unidentified attackers near Manga Kalley. Residents of the area said that the deceased along with his family members was on his way to home after offering ‘Fateha’ for their relative in Hazar village in Kabal when unidentified assailants ambushed their vehicle near Manga Kalley and opened indiscriminate fire on them. As a result Sardar, head of the family, and two women were killed instantly.

Kabal police station SHO Bashir Khan said according to preliminary reports the family had no enmity with any one. “The incident may be the handiwork of elements out to vitiate peaceful atmosphere and create law and order situation in the area for their vested interests,” he added.

In second incident, another person was shot dead in Nelagram area of Matta tehsil by the security forces for violating curfew.

Meanwhile, local Taliban attacked a bunker of security forces in Sarbandai area late on Tuesday night. The security forces retaliated. However, no casualty was reported.

A convoy of security forces narrowly escaped as a roadside bomb planted by unidentified miscreants on Ronyal road exploded with big bang at 5am on Wednesday. The troops escaped unhurt.

The security forces also arrested four militants in Hazara village after exchange of fire when a convoy of security forces came under attack on Wednesday.

After interrogation the detained militants divulged that three bombs were planted on Kabal-Mingora road. The security forces cordoned off the area and imposed curfew. Later on they defused the bombs. The security forces also destroyed the house from where they were fired upon, residents said.

Meanwhile, Malakand region DIG Tanvirul Haq Sipra has ordered 15 days operation in Swat against the criminals, kidnappers, car-lifters and other anti-social elements from July 25.

In his directive to the DPO Swat Waqif Khan, the DIG said no leniency should be shown to criminals and stern action would be taken against them to assert government writ in the valley.