KHAR, July 18: The elders of Salarzai tribe in Bajaur Agency on Wednesday assured the administration and security force of cooperation in thwarting cross-border attacks by militants in the region.

In this connection a jirga was held in Khar that was attended by officials of local administration and security forces besides tribal elders and religious scholars of the area.

Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah and Commandment Bajaur Scouts Col Shakeel Janjua were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the jirga, tribal elders Malik Mohammad Younas, Malik Mohammad Yar Khan, Malik Hafizur Rahman, Malik Abdul Hakeem Khan, Malik Nisar Khan and Malik Abdul Salam extended support to the administration and security forces in maintaining writ of the government in the region.

“Salarzai tribesmen are fully alert to counter cross-border attacks of militants in their area,” they said. They said that Salarzai was the only tribe in the agency that had eliminated militants in their area.

“All the tribesmen of the entire region are united against the enemies of their land. They are capable of facing any challenge in their areas,” the elders said.

The said that they had established several new posts along the border and deployed hundreds of volunteers in the sensitive mountains areas to thwart cross-border attacks by militants.

“We have reorganised peace committees in different areas while more volunteers have joined the peace bodies,” the elders said.

They said that they had formed a committee for monitoring the activities of local people in the area. Strict action would be taken against those, who were found guilty of supporting militants, they added.

Addressing the jirga, the political agent said that militants were against the development of the region.

“Taliban are the worst enemies of our region. The elders should continue their efforts against militants in the area,” he said.

Col Shakeel also spoke on the occasion and said that maintaining law and order and writ of government were responsibilities of every citizen of the region.

He lauded the struggle of salarzi tribesmen against militants.