MARDAN, Oct 24 Two persons were killed when police and kidnappers exchanged fire at Khadu Bridge near Malakand Agency here on Saturday.

Sources said that police raided the den of Naveed Khan, a resident of Esha Dheri, who was wanted in several cases of kidnapping for ransom. Naveed opened fire on police and killed Gul Imran, additional station house officer of Baizai Kharki post, they added.

They said that police also retaliated and killed Naveed. The incident was occurred at Khadu Bridge near Malakand Agency.

Police have launched a campaign against criminals and militants in the district. Baizai Kharki, an area near Malakand, is considered a hub of militants and criminals.

The checkpost and policemen in the area is a favourite target of criminals and militants.

Imran was transferred six months ago from city police station to Baizai Kharki police post. His funeral was held at Gumbat village on Saturday evening. A large number of policemen, elders of the area and local people attended the funeral.

SPORTS CLUBS More than 20 presidents and generals secretaries of sports clubs of Mardan have praised Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti for taking keen interest in the promotion of sports particularly cricket in Mardan district.

The general secretary of Mardan Cricket Association, Syed Ihteram Bacha, while speaking at a gathering thanked chief minister for his interest in the promotion of sports in the district.

He said that a tournament of cricket would be held in which 20 teams would take part. He said that the tournament would be named after Chief Minister Hoti. He said that only sports activities could change the mind of people and create a healthy and militancy- free atmosphere in the area.