BATKHELA, March 31 An anti-terrorism court here on Tuesday released on bail 10 members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban, Swat, as the government did not oppose their bail petitions.

The court of Mr Khalil Khan directed that the petitioners should be released after furnishing two sureties of Rs200,000 each.

The state prosecutor did not oppose the bail petitions of the Taliban, Maulana Abdul Shakoor, Roohul Ameen, Amjid Khan, Mohammad Sahib, Aftabuddin, Fazal Akber, Khan Nawab, Zikria Khan, Roohul Ameen and Gul Akber.

It is learnt that the release of the militants is part of the peace initiative launched by the provincial government for restoring peace in the Swat valley. The militants had been arrested in connection with different cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Advocate Sheerin Khan appeared for the petitioners and contended that they were charged with offences which were bailable. He added that the government had no objection over their release.

It is learnt that the cases against the petitioners will be subsequently withdrawn by the prosecution. Similarly, over 40 other arrested members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban, Swat, are likely to be released in the next couple of days. These 40 Taliban have been charged in 28 cases registered at different police stations in Swat and Shangla districts.

A large number of Taliban were present outside the courtroom when the case was being heard. They were led by Mahmud Khan, commander of the Taliban for the Hazara area in Swat.

Malakand Division Commissioner Syed Mohammad Jawed and Malakand District Coordination Officer Arshid Khan also visited the courts and met district and sessions judge Saleem Jan Khan.The commissioner, however, told Dawn that he was not there in connection with the cases, and met the judge because he was his old friend.