Lashkar sources said that their fighters were shot dead when they were torching a house of militant, identified as Zakirullah, at Chinar area of the troubled Doog Darra. — AP/File

The chief minister paid the maiden visit to Upper Dir district to pay tribute to the people for fighting the Taliban militants in the mountains in Doog Darra, an area located a few mountains away from the venue of the public meeting.

'I salute to the people of Upper Dir for showing such bravery to stand up against the militants, who went unchallenged in the neighbouring Swat district,' Hoti saidy. The government, he added, had helped the lashkar and would continue to support it in future.

He held an exclusive meeting with the elders of the lashkar at the palace of former Nawab of Dir to discuss the situation in Doog Darra. At the time when he was addressing the gathering, two of the lashkar fighters laid down their lives while fighting the Taliban militants in Doog Darra. Lashkar sources said that their fighters were shot dead when they were torching a house of militant, identified as Zakirullah, at Chinar area of the troubled Doog Darra.

Two other members of the lashkar also sustained serous injuries in the incident. The fighting has raged in recent days as Taliban have been holed up. The militants have already suffered dozens of fatalities in the fighting since June 6.

Hoti in his address claimed that the security forces had dismantled the network of the terrorists who were now on the run to avoid action. He vowed to continue action till the defeat of the militants in Malakand region. He said that the government would implement the Sharia and would establish Qazi courts and Darul Qaza.

To increase the capacity of police and Levies forces in the district, the chief minister announced to double the strength of both the forces. He awarded the status of sub-division to Sheringal, a region where the troubled Doog Darra is situated.

He announced construction of a jirga hall in Wari, Rs300 million to each MPA for development, 1,500 fans and as many water coolers for internally displaced persons in Dir. He also distributed cheques of Rs500,000 and Rs100,000 among the families of the slain and injured of Hayagay suicide blast.