UPPER DIR: At least 28 suspects, including some proclaimed offenders, were arrested in a joint search operation by security forces and police in Nehag Darra area of Upper Dir on Saturday.

Official sources said the search operation was launched on intelligence reports that some suspected persons and proclaimed offenders had entered Nehag Darra and its adjoining localities.

They said people involved in illegal cutting of forests also included the arrested persons, adding thousands of feet of timber was also seized in the search operation.

The sources said there was intelligence reports that militants had been approaching the proclaimed offenders in Nehag Darra area to try to sneak into the district.

“Nehag Darra, which borders Swat, is considered a sensitive area since the militancy in Swat as it was close to Taliban strongholds of Pewchar, Matta and other areas. Because most of Nehag Darra consists of high mountains and it is very difficult for law enforcement agencies to easily access the area, thus making it a safe haven for terrorists. The sources said the arrested persons had been shifted to unidentified locations for investigation.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2016