PESHAWAR, March 15: The government has decided to conduct an inquiry into the killing of three policemen, who were shot dead in an encounter with the people of Patwar Payan village near Mathra. A proclaimed offender, Sadary, was also killed in the shootout on Feb 21.

Acting on people’s complaints, the SHO of Mathra, Hussainzada, and constables Malik Taj and Shad Mohammad went to the village to net in some outlaws where they were killed in the encounter.

Official sources said the home department had suggested to the government that an inquiry should be conducted under the West Pakistan Enquiries Tribunal Ordinance.

The police have arrested four persons on the charge of killing the policemen and held meetings with the village elders to persuade them for the surrender of their accomplices.

Official sources said the police were demoralized after the killing of their colleagues. “All those who are involved in the killing of policemen must be caught to restore confidence of the law enforcers, otherwise they will shirk from performing their duties,” a police official said.