GHALANAI, Nov 5: Tension gripped Mohmand Agency on Wednesday after tribesmen interpreted an appeal by the government to expel militants and vacate houses as an indication of an impending military action.

An exodus started from Anbar subdivision and people headed towards Peshawar, Mardan and other areas.

The authorities dropped pamphlets from planes in parts of the area adjacent to Peshawar on Tuesday, seeking local people’s support against pro-Taliban militants.

“The government has banned the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its leadership has been declared proclaimed offender. Its leaders are receiving funds, weapons and other incentives from non-Muslims and anti-Pakistan states for their activities,” the pamphlet said. “They are not Mujahideen and they spread militancy. They are involved in killing innocent people.”

It urged the tribesmen to follow the example of their kindred in Bajaur, Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai and raise a lashkar against militants.

Tension overtook the area on Oct 26 after a suicide bomber struck a checkpoint in Lakaro, killing a driver and wounding nine security personnel.

Sources said militants had established their hold in three of the five subdivisions of Mohmand — Lakaro, Pendiali and Anbar. They had also set up parallel courts in the areas.

A curfew has been in place in the region for the past 10 days. All government offices and educational institutions have been closed. The main road between Mohmand and Bajaur has been closed, causing shortage of food in several areas.

Local people complained that hospitals were facing a shortage of doctors and paramedics and patients could not be taken to Peshawar because the road had been blocked.

SHOT DEAD: Militants shot dead a hostage in Qandaro on Wednesday. Officials said Amir Taj, a former official of the political administration, had been kidnapped with six tribal elders. Militants had accused them of supporting the government.

Anwarullah Khan adds from Bajaur: At least six suspected militants were killed and seven others wounded when planes bombed Dama Dola and Badan areas of Bajaur Agency.

Officials said the planes made several sorties over the area and attacked the headquarters of militants in Dama Dola. Artillery was also used in the operation.

Security forces set up a checkpoint near Tor Ghundai, which separates Bajaur from Lower Dir. Several people were rounded up.

The authorities have arrested 20 suspects in Saddiqabad, Khar, Tor Ghundai and Yousafabad over the past few days and sent them to jail.

An official said a lashkar of Salarzai tribe had started action against militants. A Salarzai elder, Malik Munaseb Khan, said preparations had been made to launch a crackdown against militants.