LANDI KOTAL, Feb 23: The first batch of 70 Khasadars undergoing three-month training were taught how to use weapons and shoot at target, on the completion of their training period in the Shah Kas area of Jamrud tehsil here on Monday.

The training of Khasadar force as part of the Fata reform package had started in all the seven tribal agencies simultaneously in December 2003, to transform the tribal security force into a unified paramilitary force.

More than 22,000 Khasadars in all the seven tribal agencies would be imparted training in phases keeping in view the financial constraints of the federal government, which had allocated Rs2.5 billion for the purpose.

In Khyber Agency, the task of training was assigned to Mehsud Scouts who are based at the Shah Kas Fort in Jamrud. Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah had declared in unequivocal terms when some elements raised voice against the process that reforms would be introduced in Fata and training of Khasadars was a pre-requisite for the maintenance of law and order in tribal areas.

During the three-month period, which the Mehsud Scouts consider too short, the Khasadars were imparted training about basic military discipline, patrolling, search operations, ambush, raids, narcotics control, traffic laws, picketing, communications and arms training.

Chief instructor Mohammad Hussain Bangash appreciated the force's skills of instant adjustment in the semi-military environment. The Khasadars, he believed, were a raw force before the training and had gained a lot, especially in terms of discipline during their the training.

At the target shooting session on Monday, the Khasadar force effectively exhibited their knowledge of weapons. Madat Khan, a weapon instructor of Mehsud Scouts, said they quickly learnt the art of weapon use.

The 70-member first batch would appear for a written and practical test before their passing-out on Feb 28, after which another batch would start training.