BUNER In an attempt to frustrate the government's move to reopen educational institutions in the violence-ravaged Malakand division, militants torched seven government schools in Buner on Tuesday. A health centre in Topai and the house of a policeman in Inzar Mera were also set on fire.

The schools burnt down are three for boys and four for girls in Totapai, Meragai and Bekhanai areas.

Militants also torched a site camp of a construction company in Fooladai. There was no casualty in the arson attacks.

Schools in Swat, Buner and Dir reopened on Aug 1 after remaining closed for three months because of fighting between the armed forces and militants.

Local people said that militants were on the rampage and they feared of more attacks and destruction in the area. They said they were worried about the presence of Taliban in their area and the government should launch an operation against them.

According to sources, the sub-tehsil of Chaghorzai comprising five union councils, with over 15,000 families, has been under the control of militants for the past two months.

Security forces have cleared the sub-tehsil of Gagra and blocked the route to Chaghorzai at Budal.