LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), April 28: Tribesmen in the Jamrud sub-division here on Thursday voluntarily handed over their heavy weapons to the political administration. Giving details of the government drive to free the region from weapons, Jamrud Assistant Political Agent Muhammad Amjad told journalists that his administration was in touch with the elders of various tribes to convince them to turn over their heavy weapons to the government.

He said the ban on display of light weapons at public places was intact in his sub-division while tribal elders were cooperating in handing over their heavy weapons.

He, however, made it clear that action would be initiated against those who refused to surrender their lethal arms. The government would not lay hand on those who keep light weapons for personal safety, he added.

Jamrud Assistant Political Agent Muhammad Amjad said the handed over weapons would be examined by arms experts at Balahisar Fort and if found workable, compensation would be given to the owners.

The surrendered arms include 8 rocket launchers, 16 rocket shells, 3 anti-aircraft guns with 28 rounds, one 20MM gun, one 2.60MM guns, one anti-tank guns with 5 rounds, one rocket andaz, one 12.7-P gun, one 82MM mortar gun with 3 rounds and 3 LMG machineguns.