PESHAWAR, Feb 22: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has ordered distribution of 30,000 assault rifles among villagers in different parts of the province and approved a plan to raise an elite police force comprising 2,500 personnel.

According to an announcement made by the provincial government on Sunday, the objective of the plan was to combat growing militancy and restore the government’s writ.

The chief minister directed distribution of 30,000 rifles among peace groups and common people cooperating with police in the fight against terrorists and militants.

Mr Hoti also directed officials that ‘Village Defence Rifles’ should not be given to people involved in criminal activities. The weapons would be taken back from people who would not use them against terrorists, he said.

These rifles would be given to law-abiding people after the approval by station house officers of police stations in their areas and final approval by district coordination officers.

Mr Hoti also approved a plan to recruit 2500 personnel in the elite police force and 2,657 vacancies would be created for the purpose. The provincial government will also provide funds for the plan.

The chief minister approved an initial release of Rs200 million for raising the force. The federal government will be approached for additional funds for the project.

Mr Hoti said the plan required Rs3.27 billon and it would help government to counter acts of terrorism in different parts of the province.

ISPR warning

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Maj-Gen Athar Abbas said on Sunday that the military option was still open for the government if the Swat peace deal failed, our Staff Reporter in Islamabad adds.

“If it does not restore peace in the area, the government will have to go for other options, including military operation,” he told a news agency.

He said establishing peace in Swat was the basic requirement and all possible steps would be taken to ensure it.

Troops would stay in the valley and all options were open to the government, he said.

Stressing the need for modern equipment, he said their use would not only enhance the efficiency of the armed forces, but also help reduce collateral damage.

On the other hand, a spokesman for the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said the Swat district coordination officer had been kidnapped on Sunday because his group wanted to give a message to the government that such incidents would take place if the agreement was violated.

Call to understand deal

Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said on Sunday Pakistan had very clear policy regarding terrorism and extremism and the international community should understand Swat peace deal in perspective of the government’s policy of dialogue, development and deterrence, adds APP

Talking to a TV channel, he said international apprehensions about the Swat peace deal were based on speculations.

He said Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani had issued several statements that Nizam-i-Adl regulation was in line with the Constitution.

He said that restoring peace in the country was the top priority and the government was utilising all options for achieving this objective.