The encounter took place when armed militant opened fire on the security forces. —AP/File photo

MINGORA The fragile peace accord between the government and Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) suffered yet another setback when a militant was killed and security personnel injured in exchange of fire near Qambar on Friday.

The main GT road was blocked almost three hours for traffic when Taliban militants attacked a security forces escorted with a convoy of ration near militant stronghold Qambar. The convoy was on way to Mingora.

The encounter took place when armed militant opened fire on the security forces. One security personnel identified as Saifur Rehman sustained wounds and was shifted to hospital. One militant Hayat Khan was killed when security forced opened fire in retaliation.

The militants also seized eight trucks of ration which they, sources said, released after successful talks between Taliban leaders and Swat district administration.

The main Mingora-Peshawar road was blocked for three hours following the eruption of clash between troops and militants. Hundreds of vehicles were stuck in the traffic jam on both sides of the road. The passengers including women, children, and patients were trapped in the traffic sparking fear and panic among them. However, the road was opened for traffic after three hours.

The commissioner Malakand Mohammad Javed, DCO Khushal Khan and Taliban leader Mehmud Khan reached the site after getting information. After holding fruitful talks with local Taliban, they told the media that the incident was the result of some misunderstanding.

They said misunderstanding was cleared and eight trucks of ration were left for Mingora.

The Taliban leader and government functionary told newsmen that the incident would not affect the peace deal. Both the sides made it clear that they would abide by the peace agreement reached between the NWFP government and TNSM chief Sufi Muhammad.

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