WANA, Feb 7: Militant leader Baitullah Mehsud and about 100 of his supporters were granted amnesty on Monday after they entered into a peace deal with the administration of the South Waziristan Agency in the Srarogha area , promising to remain peaceful.

Baitullah Mehsud gave an assurance to the authorities that he would refrain from providing refuge to militants, attacking security forces operating in the area and targeting government installations.

Fata Secretary (Security) Brigadier (retd) Mahmood Shah described the event as an 'unconditional surrender of Baitullah Mehsud'. He told Dawn in Peshawar that the Mehsud tribe had given guarantees for the peaceful conduct of Baitullah Mehsud and his supporters.

"Personal sureties involving an unlimited amount have been extended by the elders of Dre-Mehsud under the peace agreement," Mr Shah said, adding that "the Mehsud tribe would also be responsible for taking action against those of its members found involved in anti-state activities in future". Besides, they would be bound to assist security forces against tribesmen suspected of being involved in anti-state activities.

In reply to a question about another militant, Abdullah Mehsud, presently in hiding, Mr Shah said: "The agreement covers the entire Mehsud tribe and under its provision, the tribe would have to act against him, too."

About 900 inhabitants of the area gathered to witness the ceremony held in a barren ground near the Srarogha Fort, about 80km from Wana.

When Baitullah Mehsud arrived at the venue, his armed supporters raised slogans: 'God is great' and 'Down with America'.

Baitullah Mehsud signed the accord on behalf of militants, while Assistant Political Agent Abdul Kamal Khattak represented the government. Members of a 21-man peace committee which brokered the deal were also present on the occasion.

Baitullah Mehsud led various combats in South Waziristan, particularly in the Mehsud-dominated area.