UPPER DIR: Troops have been deployed along the border in Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Chitral to check incursions of militants from Afghanistan.

According to official sources, army’s top brass has taken the step in view of local people’s demand to deploy regular forces to prevent attacks by Afghan-based militants after recent cross-border incursions into Pakistan’s tribal areas.

Locals said on Monday that soldiers were seen moving towards the border areas in Upper Dir.

One attack in Lower Dir, two in Upper Dir and one in Chitral district left dozens of policemen and Levies Force personnel dead.

Some residents of the area near Upper Dir, however, expressed the fear that a military operation might be launched in the district.

Official sources rejected the suggestion, saying the purpose of the deployment was to protect border from attacks by militants.—Syed Zahid Jan