LANDI KOTAL, Dec 6: The security officials on Thursday closed the crossing at Torkham border two hours ahead of its scheduled time and arrested at least 30 suspects during checking.

Officials said that the border was closed at around 5pm after they received a high alert order from the high-ups. In routine, the border is closed at 7pm. However, heavy vehicles carrying supplies for Nato forces in Afghanistan are allowed to cross the border after the scheduled time if their customs clearance is delayed for some reasons.

Border guards at Torkham and Michni checkpost were also ordered to remain alert and keep a vigil on movement of the people coming from Afghanistan.

The security forces rounded up at least 30 suspects during checking at different checkpoints. Twenty of the arrested men were later released after initial investigations.

However, it was also learnt that the arrested men included two foreigners but local officials declined to confirm the news. Officials also declined to gave any specific reason for closing the border ahead of scheduled time.

Meanwhile, unidentified persons took away furniture and other items from a government school in Bara on Thursday.

Sources said that armed men riding in pick-up vehicles entered a government middle school in Gandaw area of Sipah and took away furniture of office and classrooms along with other paraphernalia. However, they did not cause any damage to the school building. In another incident, militants blew up an overhead water tank in Akkakhel area on Thursday.

In Landi Kotal, security forces defused an explosive device along with two mortar shells, planted along the roadside in Sheikhwal area.

Officials said that the explosives were planted along the road to target security forces and Nato vehicles.

Also in Landi Kotal, unidentified gunmen abducted a local tribesman from Sheen Pokh area when he was on his way to Landi Kotal Bazaar.

Family sources said that they had a monetary dispute with some residents of Mohmand Agency.