CHARSADDA, Sept 22: A policeman and a militant were killed and 17 other people were injured when local Taliban attacked an ‘armed peace walk’ in Pir Qella area of Shabqadar on Monday.

A police contingent and members of a local tribal force also took part in the walk.

Soon after the walk ended at the Doaba Chowk, the Taliban opened fire on police. An ensuing exchange of fire continued for several hours and both sides used rocket launchers and machineguns. The deceased police constable was identified as Malik Jan of the CID.

The injured included six militants, three civilians and eight policemen.

Nine suspected militants were reported to have been arrested during a search operation.

Announcements were made on loudspeakers asking local people to vacate their homes for security reasons and shift to other places.

Two gunship helicopters were seen hovering over the area.

However, after police received reinforcements, the militants fled the area. Charsadda DPO Waqif Khan told Dawn that police had cleared the area of militants.