KOHAT, Feb 4 At least eight militants were killed when two groups of Taliban clashed with each other in Feroze Khel area of Orakzai Agency on Wednesday evening.

Official and tribal sources confirmed the incident by telephone from Orakzai Agency. They added that there were some differences since long between the two groups of Taliban, one belonging to Darra Adamkhel and the other faithful to Biatullah Mehsud. All the victims belonged to Mehsud group, the said.

They added differences developed between the two groups when Darra Taliban claimed responsibility for carrying out 29 suicide attacks late last year. Darra Taliban took shelter in Orakzai Agencylast year. The area was already under the control of Mullah Hakeem Ullah, a commander of Baitullah Mehsud. However, both the groups began to live in separate localities of Chappar Feroze Khel.

Sources said that Darra Taliban were requested by Mehsud group to stop kidnappings for ransom as it tarnished their image.

They were also asked not to show impatience in carrying out suicide attacks everywhere and killing innocent people, sources added.

During last three months Darra Taliban kidnapped more than 16 persons and released them after getting huge ransom. Five kidnapped persons were still in their custody, sources added.

DEADLINE EXTENDED Taliban in Darra Adamkhel have extended the deadline by 48 hours, they have set for the killing of kidnapped Polish geologist, on the request of tribal elders on Wednesday.

Taliban had set the deadline of February 4 for the government to release their 60 comrades otherwise they would kill Peter, a Polish geologist kidnapped five months ago from Attock district. Taliban had also demanded ransom along with the release of their men.

Taliban spokesman Mohammad told Dawn by telephone that they were extending the deadline till Friday midnight and there would be no leniency on their part any more in future. “The government will have to release our men otherwise we will have no choice but to execute the Polish man,” he warned.

Sources said that NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani had sent emissaries to Taliban for negotiating the release of Peter. The Polish ambassador also contacted high-ranking government officials five days ago when Taliban set deadline for killing Peter. The NWFP governor intervened and was successful in stopping his execution, sources added.

SUSPECTS HELD The security forces and police arrested three suspects in the district near the border of Darra Adamkhel during a joint operation on Wednesday.

A police spokesman said that army and the elite force of police carried out a joint operation in Taulanj and Jawaki areas to clear them from militants. He said that during the operation three suspects including a proclaimed offender were arrested.

The accused had been handed over to special investigation team. The Gumbat police have registered a case against the accused.

Meanwhile, authorities fined profiteers fined heavily during a surprise raid in the main bazaar on Wednesday.

District Coordination Officer Siraj Ahmed had directed Assistant Coordination Officer Manzar Ali Javed to conduct raid and address the complaints of people about overcharging by the flour dealers and other shopkeepers.

The ACO imposed fines up to Rs65000 on atta dealers and fruit sellers and warned them to display the rate list properly and charge buyers according to the price fixed by the price control committee otherwise they would be sent to prison next time.