PARACHINAR/KHAR, Aug 15: Five residents of Kurram Agency, including a woman, were kidnapped in Paktia province of Afghanistan on Monday, sources said. They said that the kidnapped persons were coming to their native towns in Kurram via Afghanistan from Peshawar owing to closure of Thall-Parachinar Road.

“Some unidentified people disembarked them from the vehicle at gunpoint when they reached Laja area of Paktia province and shifted them to undisclosed location,” they added.

Sources said that Afghan forces launched search operation soon after the incident to recover the kidnapped Pakistanis.

They kidnapped tribal persons were identified as Munawar Ali, a resident of College Colony, Javed Hussain of Tangi, Khial Hussain of Borhki upper Kurram, Sultan Ali and wife of Sultan Ali of Hazara Mohalla in Parachinar. The kidnapped persons belonged to Turi tribe.

The Afghan security forces reportedly launched search operation soon after the incident to recover the kidnapped tribal people.

Meanwhile, three security men were injured when a landmine planted by suspected militants exploded in Bajrani area in central Kurram.

The security forces were on a routine patrol. The injured were taken to Sadda hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, at least 24 militants laid down arms and surrendered to security forces in Chaharmang valley of Bajaur tribal region on Monday.

The surrendered militants declared on oath that they would not indulge in militant activities in future and extend complete cooperation to security forces.

Sources said that the militants belonged to Hilalkhel, Hashim, Kohi and Halki Chaharmang areas of Nawagai tehsil. They included four important commanders. They laid down arms during a ceremony in Bajaur Scouts headquarters in Khar.

Operation in-charge Lt-Col Sohail of 5 Azad Kashmir Battalion, Assistant Political Agent Mohammad Jameel Khan, civil and military officials, local elders and leaders of tribal lashkar were present on the occasion.

The surrendered militants said that they would neither indulge in militancy nor would keep links with any militant organisation in future. They said that they had committed a blunder by taking up arms against security forces of the country. They also apologised to security forces, tribal elders and people for their mistakes.

Lt-Col Sohail said that at least 240 militants had surrendered to security forces during the past few weeks. He said that the surrendered militants were wanted by security forces for their anti-social and illegal activities. He urged other militants to follow the suit and lay down arms.