MANSEHRA, Nov 5: The tribal elders of Kala Dhaka have denied they had any hand in the blockade of Karakuram Highway, saying that they would continue to cooperate with the government in all sorts of circumstances.

The tribal elders held a crucial meeting with the district Nazim of Mansehra, Azam Khan Swati, at Oghi, 35 kilometres from here late on Sunday.

Led by Maulana Fazl Maula, the tribal jirga told the district Nazim that their tribes had not played any role in the blockade of the KKH.

They admitted that some of their tribesmen, who have their own interests, were involved in the road blockade along with the people of Battagram, Kohistan and Shangla districts. They assured the Nazim that the practice would not be repeated in future. The jirga constituted a five-member committee that will meet the NWFP governor.