KOHAT, Oct 16: The repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Orakzai Agency has virtually stopped following fresh skirmishes between tribal lashkar and militants in Mishti Mela area.

The tribesmen were asked to return to Feroze Khel area under the protection of army, but they are reluctant to return due to fear of facing punishment by militant commanders.

The TTP had warned the tribesmen not to leave the area during the military operation launched early this year and later it burnt houses and shops of those families who shifted to settled areas.

During the last two days, militants had kidnapped two tribesmen belonging to Mishti tribe after their three hideouts were destroyed while three militants were killed by the lashkar in Kasha area in fresh fighting, sources said.

They said that the tribal lashkar also lost its four men in the fierce gunbattle. A woman was also killed when unidentified armed men ambushed a wagon coming from Mishti Mela in the same area.

The TTP, however, rejecting the claims of lashkar said that none of its member was killed in the clash and they had taken important posts on the surrounding mountains.

The sources said that for the time being guns had fallen silent, but the lashkar and militants were strengthening their positions and waiting for re-enforcements from adjacent areas.

Two weeks ago operation commander in Orakzai Agency Col. Waseem had claimed during a talk with journalists that tribesmen could now return to their homes in the lower Orakzai Agency where military had established permanent checkposts for their safety. Similarly, political agent Riaz Mehsud had also claimed that 90 per cent area of Orakzai Agency was secure for the returning IDPs.

When contacted, officials said that cooperation of tribesmen in winning the war against militancy was indispensable. They said the tribesmen should return to their respective villages and help the government in restoration of its writ in the area. SEARCH OPERATION: the Hangu police have arrested 139 alleged outlaws, including 20 proclaimed offenders, during a search operation along the Orakzai Agency border. The operation was also continuing in parts of Hangu district.

Reliable sources told this correspondent on Saturday that there were more than a dozen groups of militants fighting in Orakzai Agency. Mullah Toofan, Muhammad Nabi Hanfi and fighters of Hakeemullah Mehsud who went underground during the army operation were still holding positions in major parts, said the sources.