PESHAWAR, June 5: The government provided police guards to different leaders of anti-Taliban Adezai Qaumi Lashkar except its chief and assured them of full legal support.

Addressing a joint press conference along with the leaders of different peace bodies at Malik Saad Police Lines here on Tuesday, Superintendent of Police Shafiullah Khan urged the volunteers to continue activities against militants in their respective localities.

During the press conference, Adezai Qaumi Lashkar was represented by Waqif Khan, Qari Sajid and Fazl Malik while Bazidkhel Qaumi Lashkar was represented by its head Fahimur Rehman.However, head of Adezai Qaumi Lashkar Dilawar Khan was not present on the occasion. He even expressed ignorance about the press conference when contacted by Dawn.

The SP appreciated the role of peace bodies against militants in the rural areas of Peshawar and hoped that police and volunteers would continue to coordinate with each other for elimination of terrorism.

He said that peace bodies had been formed when Dr Suleman was capital city police officer to check movement of anti-state and anti-social elements.

Mr Khan said that at least 10 peace bodies had been formed in the past. All of them would be revived to keep close liaison with police for maintenance of peace and pinpointing criminals and terrorists in their areas, he added.

He said that 260 personnel of community police would continue to work in rural areas and get salaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Fahimur Rehman said that in the past he always extended support to police on his own expenses but it was no more possible for him. “However, now police have assured us of support,” he added.

He said that they would continue their war against Taliban, Lashkar-i-Islam and other criminals if police provided support to them. He said that government should support them so that the areas along the border of tribal regions could be protected properly.

On the occasion, Waqif Khan and Fazl Malik said that government had restored their police guards and all the issues had been resolved amicably. “Now there is no issue, which can stop us from supporting government against Taliban,” they said.

However, chief of Adezai Qaumi Lashkar, when contacted, expressed ignorance about the press conference and said that he was not invited by police.

When told about the presence of Waqif Khan, the deputy chief of the lashkar, in the press conference, he said that it was a conspiracy by of the provincial government to create rift in the peace body.

“I belong to Pakistan Muslim League and the government of Awami National Party doesn’t want me to lead the peace body.

That’s why police guards were also withdrawn from my residence and the community police belonging to my family were not paid salaries of the last month,” he said.

The peace body chief said that he had stopped supporting police and announced it publicly in Peshawar Press Club on May 24 mainly owing to irresponsible attitude of government. The boycott would continue, he added.

“We will end the boycott only if the provincial government restore our police guards, provide ration, arms and ammunition to us and stop harassing the volunteers of the peace body,” he said.

He said that he would move Peshawar High Court to seek protection for himself and compensation for the families of 105 volunteers, who were killed and injured by militants.

However, he said that fight against Taliban would continue at all costs. He said that they would not surrender to the anti-state elements.